Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have returned to the United Kingdom after six years living in the United States, marking a significant shift following their decision to step back from senior royal duties in 2020. The couple arrived in Birmingham on Wednesday afternoon local time, traveling from Los Angeles by private jet, and have enrolled their two children, Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, in a school in England. The family is expected to reside in the Cotswolds region, just outside London.
The visit is described as an extended stay, with indications that Meghan, 45, may resume her acting career alongside her ongoing business ventures, including her lifestyle brand As Ever. Prince Harry, 41, plans to focus on charitable work linked to causes he has long supported, such as the Invictus Games and the WellChild charity.
Since their departure from the royal family, several key events have unfolded within the monarchy. Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth have passed away, King Charles was crowned in a widely publicized ceremony, and both the King and Catherine, Princess of Wales, have contended with cancer diagnoses. Relations between Harry and his elder brother, Prince William—the heir apparent—remain strained, with no indication of reconciliation or joint public appearances. This estrangement has raised questions about future private family gatherings, particularly Christmas at Sandringham.
The matter of security for the Sussex family remains unresolved. Public opinion polls consistently show opposition to taxpayer funding of their protection. Harry has previously emphasized the necessity of police protection through the Metropolitan Police, which liaises with intelligence agencies MI5 and MI6. However, assessments by RAVEC, the government authority responsible for assessing security needs, concluded that as non-working royals, Harry and Meghan were not eligible for continuous police protection, whether residing in California or during visits to the UK. Details regarding security arrangements for their children have not been confirmed. Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently characterized the issue of security funding as a “private matter.”
Buckingham Palace has reiterated that Harry and Meghan will retain their status as non-working royals, dismissing any notion that they might hold a dual role within the monarchy. Observers have speculated that the couple may continue to leverage their royal connections through commercial projects without performing official royal duties.
The couple’s arrival on a private jet has drawn some criticism due to Harry’s prior involvement with Travelsy, a sustainable tourism coalition. Upon arrival, their security detail escorted them in two blacked-out vehicles to their new home.
In addition to their plans in the UK, the Sussexes are expected to maintain their nine-bedroom Mediterranean-style mansion in Montecito, California. Estimates suggest annual costs for upkeep, including mortgage and taxes, could reach as high as $US600,000 ($835,000). The couple also reportedly owns a private residence in the UK and a holiday home in Portugal, raising questions about how they will manage the financial demands of multiple properties across three countries.