The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have returned to the United Kingdom after six years in the United States, with sources indicating that Prince Harry remains as frustrated and angry as when he initially left the royal family’s inner circle. The couple arrived last week in Birmingham with their two children, Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, signaling a new chapter in England where they plan to settle in a private residence believed to be located in the Cotswolds.
Harry and Meghan stepped back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020, a decision widely referred to as "Megxit," and relocated to the US. Since then, tensions between the Sussexes and the senior members of the royal family have deepened, particularly following the release of Harry’s 2023 memoir, Spare, and his highly publicized interviews, including a notable conversation with Oprah Winfrey.
According to individuals close to the Duke, Harry has shown no signs of softening his stance toward the royal institution. Contrary to expectations of a reconciliatory tone, sources say he continues to harbor grievances against certain family members and those surrounding his father, King Charles III, referring to them as “men in grey suits.” He reportedly still anticipates an apology, particularly in regard to the treatment of Meghan.
A source familiar with Harry’s recent interactions described his attitude as unchanged since their departure from royal duties, emphasizing that the Duke remains “in that Oprah mindset.” This perspective echoes statements Harry has made previously, including a 2023 interview where he expressed a desire for accountability and an apology to his wife.
The Duke has long suggested that royal aides have obstructed efforts at reconciliation, using language similar to that historically employed by his mother, Princess Diana, who believed courtiers undermined her. Harry’s connection to Diana’s legacy also appears to inform his current position. The Sussexes recently visited Diana’s grave at Althorp during their UK stay, and Meghan shared images of their children paying tribute at the estate.
In financial and security developments, reports indicate that hedge-fund billionaire Ian Wace, a long-time friend, is assisting the couple in their move back to Britain. The Sussexes previously stayed on Wace’s private Scottish island, Tanera Mor. Following the loss of their automatic entitlement to armed police protection as non-working royals, Harry’s security advisor has assembled a British security team to manage their safety pending a formal reassessment.
The couple maintain residences in Montecito, California, and Portugal, and declined to comment on their recent return and ongoing relationship with the royal family.