Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s decision to return to the UK with their children is set to mark a major change in the family’s life after six years in California.
While the move could give the Sussexes more time with relatives and allow their children to build stronger connections with family in Britain, it is also placing them much closer to members of the Royal Family with whom relations remain strained.
Prince Harry and Meghan’s UK return has also raised questions about how they will fit into royal life, particularly as they are not expected to resume official royal duties.
Harry and Meghan are preparing to return to Britain with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, leaving behind their California home for a new chapter closer to the duke’s family.
The decision comes years after they stepped away from royal life and moved to the US, making their return particularly striking given Meghan’s difficult experience in the UK.
Meghan has previously been candid about how unhappy she felt during her time in the UK.
She spoke about struggling with life inside the Royal Family, saying, “I really tried to adopt this British sensibility of a ‘stiff upper lip’—I really tried, but I think that what that does internally is probably really damaging.”
Harry, meanwhile, still has strong connections in Britain, including longtime friends such as Mark Dyer, Charlie van Straubenzee and Archie Manners.
As far as is known, Harry and Meghan will continue as private citizens and non-working members of the Royal Family.
The Sussexes Return Could Fuel Royal Tensions
The Sussexes’ return could create an uncomfortable situation for the working members of the Royal Family, especially because Harry and Meghan will now be living much closer to them.
Royal biographer Hugo Vickers warned that the couple could become a distraction regardless of their intentions.
“They will be in competition with the working members of the royal family, or at least that’s how it will be perceived and that’s how it will be reported,” Vickers said, per Page Six, adding, “We’re in for such a grisly time.”
The issue could become particularly noticeable during major royal occasions. One source suggested that Harry and Meghan’s physical presence in Britain could put the family in a difficult position over invitations to events such as Christmas and Remembrance Sunday.
Prince William And Prince Harry Are Still At Loggerheads
One of the biggest concerns surrounding the move is the unresolved relationship between Harry and his older brother, Prince William. Despite Harry’s improving relationship with King Charles, the brothers have remained deeply estranged.
Earlier this year, People Magazine reported that the brothers’ relationship remains “distant,” with “no contact.”
A source close to the situation said of the royal siblings: “I thought it would have perhaps eased a little bit by now, to be honest. But there has been no movement, especially on William’s side.”
That tension could become harder to ignore now that Harry, Meghan and their children will be living in Britain.
Harry has previously expressed a desire to repair the family rift, saying, “I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore.”
Still, expert Vickers believes a reconciliation between the brothers remains unlikely: “I don’t think there will be any reconciliation between William and Harry. William is furious, wouldn’t you be.”
The Duchess Is About to Reignite Her Acting Career, But Has Already Faced A Major Setback
Meghan’s return to Britain could also coincide with another major development, a possible return to acting.
Several news outlets reported that the Duchess of Sussex is in talks to appear in the third season of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series “The Gentlemen,” which is filmed in the UK. An industry source claimed she is “close to signing the deal.”
The potential role would have represented a notable return to the career Meghan left behind when her relationship with Harry became serious.
However, in a very recent update, another source close to the series shared with former Vanity Fair editor-in-chief Tina Brown that the role offer had been “withdrawn” due to “intense” backlash that plagued rumors about the duchess’s casting in the hit series.
Prince Harry And Meghan Might Focus On Rebuilding Ties During Their Stay In The UK, Especially With King Charles
Beyond the professional and royal complications, family appears to be central to Harry and Meghan’s decision.
Their return will allow them to spend more time with King Charles, who is undergoing cancer treatment, while also giving their children greater access to their British relatives and cousins.
The children recently reunited with Charles during the family’s July visit, marking their first meeting with their grandfather in more than four years.
Royal biographer Vickers further stressed the importance of the duke repairing his relationship with his father, saying, “I’ve always been a big believer for Harry to reconcile with his father for two reasons. He’s the King’s son, and Charles is old and not very well.”
For Harry, the move could therefore represent more than a change of address. It may offer an opportunity to rebuild family relationships.
According to reports, the Sussexes also want their children to develop stronger connections with family and friends in Britain.