Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly planning an extended return to the United Kingdom, with their children, Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, set to begin at a British school in September. This move, which royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams described as potentially provoking a "crisis for the monarchy," signifies a significant shift for the Duke and Duchess, who will reside in a non-royal residence and will not be working royals.
According to reports, King Charles was informed of his son's plans just days before the announcement, suggesting he may have been taken by surprise, as no mention of the family's relocation was made during their meeting earlier in the summer. Fitzwilliams noted that the monarchy often struggles with unpredictable situations, and the Sussexes' return introduces such uncertainty. He also characterized the decision as evidence of a "disastrous failure in the US" for the couple, who relocated to California six years ago.
The potential implications for the royal family, particularly for the Prince of Wales, were also raised. Fitzwilliams speculated that Prince William might scrutinize the Sussexes' titles, including those of their children, viewing their actions as a sign of untrustworthiness. However, sources close to the Sussexes insist that their return is not intended to reintegrate them into the royal fold.
Fitzwilliams suggested that Harry's desire to return may stem from a lack of a defined role in the United States, stating, "I don't believe Meghan wanted to come back, but Harry did. He had no role, it was quite literally doing pathetic cameo performances in Meghan's shows." He added, "They have failed in the United States. Meghan's career hasn't taken off at all."
Despite the move, the couple intends to retain their £11 million home in Montecito, California, and they also own property in Portugal. The surprise announcement comes six years after Harry and Meghan stepped down as working royals, a decision that led to Harry being stripped of his honorary military titles. Their departure was characterized at the time as a "nuclear button" moment, with subsequent criticism regarding their transparency with senior royal family members.
Reports from earlier in the year also resurfaced, mentioning allegations of bullying during Meghan's time in Britain, with palace staff reportedly nicknaming her "Duchess Difficult." Meghan has vehemently denied these claims, attributing them to an orchestrated smear campaign.
The Sussexes' relationships with King Charles and Prince William have been described as strained. While Harry and Charles have had recent private meetings, including one with Meghan and their children at Highgrove House, the relationship between the brothers is said to be particularly fractured, with little to no communication in recent years.
Fitzwilliams commented on the potential impact of the Sussexes' return on public perception, noting that the British public's views can shift, as seen with Queen Camilla. He also observed that the news of the Sussexes' relocation has overshadowed other significant royal events, such as Queen Camilla's account of the pressures of keeping King Charles's cancer diagnosis secret.
Harry was already scheduled to visit Britain for the WellChild Awards next month. The family's extended stay is reportedly planned until their children complete their education, although the duration of the move remains uncertain. The exact location of their new residence in the UK has not been disclosed for privacy reasons.