Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have announced their decision to move back to the United Kingdom along with their children, as confirmed by Buckingham Palace on Wednesday. The royal couple, with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will be transitioning to a life as private citizens in the UK. While the exact timing of their return was not disclosed, reports suggest it will likely be before September for the children to commence schooling.
After stepping back from their royal duties in March 2020 and relocating to California following a brief stay in Canada, Harry and Meghan are now set to reunite with the Royal Family in the UK. Their departure from the monarchy was accompanied by public criticisms of the institution, leading to strained relationships within the family, particularly with Prince William and Prince Charles.
In a candid interview with James Corden in February 2021, Harry expressed the challenges they faced within the royal environment and the necessity to prioritize his family’s well-being. Despite the controversies surrounding their departure and disagreements with the British government over security arrangements, Harry emphasized that he never intended to abandon his responsibilities.
Additionally, Harry was involved in a privacy lawsuit against The Daily Mail, alongside other prominent figures, which resulted in an unfavorable outcome in July. Following the court’s decision, Harry denounced the ruling as a biased judgment favoring the media outlet, citing the distress caused to Meghan by the publication.
Signs of a potential reconciliation within the Royal Family emerged last year when King Charles and Harry had a brief meeting after a prolonged period of estrangement. The recent visit to the UK by the Sussex family allowed for King Charles to reunite with his grandchildren, marking a positive turn in their relationship. The Palace shared that the King was informed of Harry’s relocation plans and expressed enthusiasm about spending more time with the Sussex family on a personal level.
Moreover, King Charles, who had been undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer since early 2024, showed remarkable progress, prompting a shift to a precautionary phase in his medical care. This update followed earlier statements affirming the King’s positive response to treatment, indicating a hopeful outlook on his health condition.