Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, are reportedly planning a return to the United Kingdom, marking a significant shift more than six years after they stepped back from their roles as senior working members of Britain's royal family. While the move does not signify a return to royal duties, the decision has raised questions about the couple's relationship with the monarchy and their security in the U.K., according to royal experts.
The couple, along with their two children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have resided in California since relinquishing their senior royal responsibilities in 2020.
Royal contributor Robert Jobson described the news as "a bit of a shock," noting that it remains unclear how much King Charles III was aware of his son's plans before the information was made public. "There must have been planning going on in the background," Jobson stated, suggesting that certain royal family members might not have been privy to these developments.
A source familiar with the matter indicated that King Charles was informed of the plans on Sunday and reportedly welcomes the prospect of seeing more of his son's family. The source also confirmed that Harry and Meghan intend to remain private citizens and non-working royals.
However, Jobson speculated that there could be "more going on behind the scenes," even raising the possibility of Harry seeking a more substantial role in the U.K. in the future. "I think that maybe Harry is looking to come back full-time," he said.
Buckingham Palace has not issued a comment regarding the Sussexes' reported plans. Royal contributor Victoria Murphy characterized the potential move as a "complete U-turn" on the couple's stated intentions since stepping back from royal life six years ago. Murphy also suggested that while the news may seem sudden, the couple may have been contemplating the possibility for some time.
"The pull for Harry in particular towards the U.K., I think, is very strong," Murphy said. "He still feels that he has a role to play here, not as a working royal, but a role nevertheless."
The couple's children are also seen as a potential factor. Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, have visited the U.K. only twice since 2020. "I think for them, it's also very much about their children and wanting their children to have those ties to the U.K. and to experience education here," Murphy added.
Security Concerns
Security remains a primary concern surrounding the family's potential relocation. Harry previously lost a legal challenge concerning his security arrangements in the U.K., and the Sussexes do not currently have automatic police protection while in Britain. Their security in California has been managed by a private team.
Reports indicate that the family plans to reside in a non-royal property near London and that their children are reportedly enrolled in British schools for the upcoming academic year. Murphy suggested that the decision to return may indicate Harry's increased confidence in the security arrangements for his family. "Security has to be the key to all of this," she stated.