Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly "happy to be back" in the UK, according to sources close to the couple, marking their first public comments since returning to Britain. This statement comes amidst a dispute involving Buckingham Palace and Uganda's withdrawal from the Invictus Games, an event founded by Prince Harry.
Insiders aligned with the Sussexes emphasized that the couple's priority is the adjustment of their children, Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, to a new school year. "Everything else will fall into place when the time is right," a source told People magazine. "There is a lot to do. They have just moved halfway across the world, and it's been really busy getting the kids settled."
The couple, who relocated to the United States in 2020, are understood to have secured a residence in the UK last month while maintaining their home in Montecito, California. The current UK stay follows a visit in July which included a reunion with King Charles and other family members.
Controversy Surrounds Invictus Games Withdrawal
Sources close to the Sussexes have suggested that Uganda's decision to withdraw from the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham was a "direct result" of a letter from King Charles. The letter, issued by the Lord Chamberlain on the King's behalf, reportedly clarified that Harry and Meghan are "private citizens" and not working royals, even following their return to the UK.
Ugandan General Muhoozi Kainerugaba stated that his nation would not participate in any event without King Charles' approval, and expressed a desire to quash "that Harry-Meghan nonsense." This statement came shortly after the King's letter reiterated that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are not engaged in royal duties. An insider commented that the "only people suffering" from this situation are the Ugandan competitors. "They made it very clear that the reason they pulled out was a direct result of perceived guidance from the Lord Chamberlain," the source noted.
Royal Status and Public Opinion
King Charles' letter, released on Monday, confirmed that the Sussexes do not hold working royal status and are not permitted to use their HRH titles. This clarification aligns with the "Sandringham Summit" agreement of 2020, which followed the couple's decision to step back from senior royal roles. According to the letter, their current position is "akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests."
However, briefings from sources close to the Sussexes indicate they take issue with being classified as "private citizens," preferring the term "public figures" and seeking acknowledgement of their continued, albeit non-funded, status as members of the Royal Family. Their team also claimed they had insufficient time to respond to the Palace's letter before its release to the media.
PR experts have voiced concerns that public criticism directed at the King by the Sussexes could jeopardize the Invictus Games. Mark Borkowski told the Daily Mail that Uganda's withdrawal, framed as respect for Charles III, serves as a warning. He suggested that "briefing furiously" against the King and presenting themselves as victims is a recurring mistake that damages the Invictus brand.
A recent YouGov poll of 4,506 adults indicated that 51% of Britons would prefer the Sussexes not to return to official royal duties, with only 16% in favor of them resuming working roles. The poll was conducted on Wednesday, following the Sussexes' response to the King's letter.