Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning to leave their California home and return to England, a significant reversal for the couple who stepped back from royal duties in 2020. The reported move comes after a period marked by professional difficulties and renewed scrutiny of their public image.
Sources indicate the couple intends to spend more time in the UK with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to experience more of the country and connect with extended family and friends. This decision follows a summer visit to the UK and coincides with King Charles III's ongoing battle with cancer.
The Sussexes' departure from royal life in 2020 was accompanied by public criticisms of the Royal Family, with claims of racism and an unsafe environment within the institution. Despite these assertions, the couple has faced a string of professional setbacks since establishing themselves in North America. Their media deals, including a reported $60 million Netflix contract and a $25 million Spotify deal, have yielded mixed results. Meghan's podcast, "Archetypes," was canceled after two seasons, and a planned Netflix lifestyle show also faced an early end. Prince Harry's memoir, "Spare," while a bestseller, also drew considerable controversy.
The couple's public narrative has often centered on claims of victimhood and a desire for privacy, which critics argue is at odds with their pursuit of high-profile media projects and public appearances. Their engagement with issues of racial justice, including receiving the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award, has also drawn criticism, with some suggesting their actions are performative or strategically motivated.
Past controversies, such as their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, where Meghan alleged inquiries about her son Archie's skin tone and denial of a royal title, have been debated for their factual accuracy and impact. The fallout from public statements and media engagements, including Piers Morgan's departure from "Good Morning Britain" after criticizing Meghan, has further shaped public perception of the couple.
Analysts suggest the timing of their reported return to England may be an attempt to re-engage with the Royal Family, particularly amid King Charles's health concerns. The couple's endeavors in media and public life have not consistently translated into sustained success, leading some to characterize their career trajectory as faltering. This reported relocation to England marks a new chapter, with questions lingering about their future public roles and relationship with the British monarchy.