Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have made the decision to return to the United Kingdom along with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, as confirmed by Buckingham Palace on Wednesday. The family, now living as private citizens, is expected to relocate in time for the children to commence school in September.
The royal couple had previously stepped back from their full-time royal duties in March 2020 and subsequently left the U.K., settling in California after a brief period in Canada. The move back to Britain comes amidst strained relations with the Royal Family, following public criticisms by Harry towards the monarchy and his immediate family members, particularly Prince William.
In an interview on The Late, Late Show with James Corden in February 2021, Harry expressed the challenges faced within the royal environment and his determination to prioritize his family’s well-being. Despite facing difficulties, Harry emphasized his commitment to his family and denied any notion of “walking away.”
Furthermore, Harry was involved in a privacy lawsuit against The Daily Mail, which he lost along with other notable figures in July. The lawsuit aimed to address the alleged mistreatment of Meghan by the newspaper, with Harry expressing disappointment in the court’s decision and criticizing the outcome as unjust.
Recent developments indicate a potential reconciliation within the royal family, as King Charles and Prince Harry met for the first time in nearly two years last September. The family’s visit to Britain in July allowed King Charles to reunite with his grandchildren after a significant period apart. The King, who battled an undisclosed form of cancer in early 2024, has shown positive response to treatment, prompting a shift to a precautionary phase in his medical care.