Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are reportedly planning a return to Great Britain six years after stepping back from royal duties. Sources close to the couple indicate that their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have already been enrolled in British schools and are set to begin next month. The specific schools and the Sussexes' new residence have not been disclosed, though it is understood they will not occupy a royal property.
This reported relocation follows Prince Harry's private discussions with friends about his children's education in the UK. A friend of the Duke's indicated that Harry believes his children are missing out on the family network enjoyed by their cousins, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The friend also stated that Harry desires his children to receive the best education, drawing parallels to his own schooling at Ludgrove and Eton College.
King Charles is reportedly pleased with the prospect of their return, seeing it as an opportunity to spend more private time with his grandchildren. This comes as the King is undergoing cancer treatment. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's last visit to Highgrove, the King's Gloucestershire retreat, last month marked the first time he had seen his grandchildren in over four years.
However, the reported move also brings into focus the ongoing estrangement between Prince Harry and his brother, Prince William, and sister-in-law, Catherine, the Princess of Wales. William and Catherine did not see the Sussexes during their recent visit to the UK, with the rift reportedly stemming from Prince Harry's memoir, "Spare."
Some observers suggest that Harry and Meghan's return could pose challenges to the monarchy. The couple initially left royal life due to disagreements over balancing public duties with commercial ventures. While not expected to resume official royal roles, their continued engagement in charitable and money-making activities is seen by some as a potentially volatile combination. The timing of their return, with King Charles undergoing treatment, has also been noted as a strategic opportunity for the Sussexes to strengthen their ties with the Royal Family before Prince William's eventual accession to the throne.
The narrative of a planned return was reportedly dubbed 'Project Thaw' by some, aiming to improve the Sussexes' relationship with the Royal Family and the British public. Despite this alleged effort, their public standing in Britain has been a point of concern for the couple. Some commentators suggest that to regain public affection, the Sussexes would need to seek forgiveness from William and Catherine and shift their focus from commercial pursuits to public service.