Royal Return: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Set for UK Comeback

Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are reportedly planning an extended return to the United Kingdom this fall. While their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, have already been enrolled in UK schools and are set to begin classes in September, the couple will not be resuming their roles as working members of the royal family. The family intends to reside at a private, non-royal residence located outside of London, though they will maintain their current homes in Montecito, California, and a vacation property in Portugal.

This move marks a significant development since the couple stepped back from their royal duties over six years ago, relocating to California to pursue independent careers through lucrative contracts with companies like Netflix and Spotify. The decision comes amidst a period of strained relations with the wider royal family. However, Prince Harry has recently expressed a strong desire for reconciliation, particularly to spend more time with his father, King Charles III, who is currently undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. King Charles was informed of their plans on Sunday. Both Buckingham Palace and representatives for Harry and Meghan have declined to comment on the reports, aligning with the Palace's policy of not discussing speculation about non-working royals.

Sources close to the couple suggest that the return will also facilitate their professional endeavors. Meghan is expected to continue leading her company, As Ever, from the UK, while Harry will be able to dedicate more time to his UK-based charities. Their relationship with the royal family has been tumultuous since their departure, marked by a series of candid interviews and Harry's memoir “Spare.” In these, they cited a desire to escape the confines of royal life, criticized palace officials for their insensitivity towards Meghan’s mental health, and alleged that a royal family member expressed racist views during Meghan’s first pregnancy.

Adding to these tensions, Prince Harry has been embroiled in extensive legal battles against UK tabloid newspapers, accusing them of illegal phone hacking and invasion of privacy during his younger years. He recently lost a series of these lawsuits, including a significant case against the publisher of the Daily Mail, which concluded last month. This outcome has left the Duke of Sussex facing a substantial financial burden, potentially millions of pounds, to cover the publisher’s legal fees, with Associated Newspapers filing documents indicating legal costs amounting to £34.5 million (€40.2 million).

Furthermore, Harry has engaged in a protracted legal dispute with the British government over its refusal to authorize police protection for his family during their stays in the UK. The Prince argues that armed police protection is essential for his family due to their inherent risk as members of the royal family, irrespective of their working status. Following a loss in this security-related court battle last year, Harry reiterated his hopes for mending family ties. He stated, “I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore. I don’t know how much longer my father has.” This sentiment underscores the personal motivation behind their return amid ongoing familial and legal complexities.