Meghan Markle's charity, Smart Works, has stated it is "very excited" to welcome the Duchess of Sussex and her family back to the United Kingdom, as the couple reportedly considers a return to Britain. Smart Works, which aids unemployed women in acquiring job skills, has been a public patronage of Markle's since 2018, a role she has maintained even after stepping back from senior royal duties in 2020.
However, reports suggest not all segments of the UK are as enthusiastic about the Sussexes' potential return. Locals in the North Cotswolds, an area where the couple is reportedly house hunting, are described as "more wary than excited" by some, according to Page Six. A royal commentator noted that while the Cotswolds can be welcoming to high-profile individuals, there's an expectation of discretion. "You don’t make a spectacle of yourself, and neither will we," the commentator explained, referencing an unwritten local agreement.
Further reports indicate that Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, plan to largely ignore the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. A friend of the Prince and Princess of Wales told the Daily Mail that their lives of public service will continue regardless of the Sussexes' location. "William and Catherine will continue their lives of public service. They intend to lead by example," the friend stated.
The reported estrangement between the two royal couples follows public revelations by Prince Harry, including interviews with Oprah Winfrey, his Netflix docuseries, and his 2023 memoir "Spare." In 2021, Markle also accused members of the royal family of racism during her interview with Winfrey.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly returned to England last month with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, for an extended stay. The family is said to have flown privately from California, landing at Birmingham Airport.
