U.S. media outlets have reacted with a mix of commentary and headlines to the reported plans of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to return to Britain after a six-year absence. Several publications have characterized the move as a "reverse Megxit."
Reports emerged Wednesday evening that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would be relocating back to the UK, potentially within days. Their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, have reportedly been enrolled in British schools and are set to begin classes in September, according to a source close to the couple.
The New York Post featured the story prominently on its Thursday front page, declaring "Throne back!" and "Our long national nightmare is over." The accompanying subheading stated, "Harry and Meghan returning to UK after failure to take the colonies," a reference to the American Revolutionary War. The newspaper's online coverage used the headline, "Prince Harry and Meghan Markle scurrying back to UK 6 years after Megxit."
The article in the New York Post noted that six years after leaving royal life and moving to the U.S., the couple is enrolling their children in British schools. It also commented that despite their memoirs and a Netflix deal, "the American public never quite embraced Harry, Meghan and jam," referencing Meghan's lifestyle brand and food products.
Social media reactions shared by the New York Post included comments such as, "Don't let the door hit you on the butt on your way out. Buh bye."
Elsewhere, the Los Angeles Times's online coverage in its Entertainment and Arts section was headlined "Goodbye, Montecito," while People magazine described the development as a "shocking move."
On television, CBS News correspondent Dick Brennan called the reported decision a "stunning turnabout for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex." He added, "Some of the royal watchers we've spoken to here say maybe he just feels like a fish out of water here. He's back home, he does the Invictus Games and a lot of plaudits from there and here he's just kind of like another celebrity."
The Sussexes have been living in Montecito, California, since March 2020, after officially stepping down as senior royals. They also own a holiday home in Portugal.
Prince Harry's father, King Charles, was reportedly taken aback upon learning of their comeback plans last Sunday, having not been informed during a recent visit by the couple to Britain last month. The terms of the original "Megxit" agreement, under which the Sussexes are not working royals, are expected to remain unchanged.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex initially announced their intention to step back as "senior" members of the Royal Family in January 2020, aiming to become financially independent while still supporting Queen Elizabeth II and splitting their time between the UK and North America. Their departure from frontline royal duties followed reports of rifts within the Royal Family and their decision to set up their own household separate from Prince William and Catherine, the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The relationship between Harry and Meghan and other members of the Royal Family has been strained, particularly following the publication of Harry's memoir "Spare" and a Netflix documentary series. In his memoir, Harry made accusations against his brother, Prince William, and recounted anecdotes about family interactions.
During a visit to the UK in July, Meghan traveled with Archie and Lilibet to join Prince Harry for events related to the Invictus Games. While there, the couple took their children to visit King Charles at his Highgrove home. However, it is not believed that they discussed the possibility of returning to the UK during that meeting.