Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have decided to return to the United Kingdom along with their children, as confirmed by Buckingham Palace on Wednesday. The move, initially disclosed by The Telegraph and The Sun, will see the couple, together with their kids Prince Archie, aged 7, and Princess Lilibet, aged 5, residing in the UK as private individuals.
Although the exact date of their relocation was not officially announced, reports suggest they aim to settle in before the start of the school year in September. Harry and Meghan had previously stepped back from their full-time royal duties, departing the UK in March 2020. Shortly after, they moved to California following a brief stay in Canada.
Their decision to return comes amidst strained relations with the Royal Family, exacerbated by public criticisms directed at the monarchy and the Royal Family members. Harry, notably, had made sharp remarks concerning his father and elder brother, Prince William, leading to a significant rift in their relationship.
In a recent interview on “The Late, Late Show with James Corden” in February 2021, Harry shared his perspective on the challenging circumstances they faced, prompting their departure from the UK. He expressed frustration over changes in his security arrangements by the British government, highlighting concerns about the safety of his family.
Moreover, Harry was involved in a privacy lawsuit against The Daily Mail, which he ultimately lost in July. The lawsuit aimed to address alleged privacy breaches and unlawful behavior towards Meghan, with Harry expressing disappointment in the court’s decision.
Despite these challenges, there have been signs of a potential reconciliation within the Royal Family. Last September, a meeting between Harry and his father, King Charles, marked a positive shift in their relationship after a lengthy period of estrangement. The family’s recent visit to Britain in July provided an opportunity for King Charles to reunite with his grandchildren, fostering hopes of improved family ties.
The Palace confirmed that King Charles, who had been undergoing cancer treatment, was informed of Harry and Meghan’s relocation plans and welcomed the chance to spend more time with the Sussex family in a personal setting. Following successful treatment, the King’s medical team transitioned to a precautionary phase due to his positive response to treatment, as announced in December.