Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly planning to relocate back to the UK after six years in the United States, with the move described as 'imminent'. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex left the UK in 2020.
According to reports, their two children, Archie and Lilibet, have been enrolled to start at a British school in September. King Charles was reportedly informed of their return on Sunday.
There are no plans for the couple to resume their roles as working royals, and they will live in a private, non-royal residence outside London, according to reports.
Royal correspondent calls announcement a 'complete surprise'
Speaking on BBC Breakfast on Thursday, August 20, royal correspondent Sarah Campbell told presenters Charlie Stayt and Rachel Burden that the announcement of Harry's return was a 'complete surprise'.
She added: 'We should be used to Harry and Meghan surprises over the years, but this was a big one.'
Campbell noted that the children have been enrolled in UK schools, and the move is 'imminent' as the term begins at the start of September.
Security remains a 'big issue'
Campbell highlighted one concern Harry and Meghan may face upon their return. She said: 'The big issue is security because, as we know, that's been such a sticky point for Prince Harry over the years. He gave that interview to the BBC last May, where he said he couldn't see a time when he would bring his family back because his security was downgraded.'
She explained: 'When he ceased to be a working member of the royal family, it was downgraded, so he didn't automatically get the police protection that working members of the royal family get; it's on a case-by-case basis. Has something changed on that front? If it has, we're not aware of it.'
Campbell added: 'That's obviously going to be an issue and has been an issue; why is it not now? So many questions to be answered.'
Invictus Games Foundation praises Harry's patriotism
David Wiseman from the Invictus Games Foundation also spoke on BBC Breakfast about Harry's return. When Charlie Stayt highlighted how proud Harry is of his country, having served in the British Army, Wiseman replied: 'Of course he is, he's a member of the royal family and a British citizen.'
He added: 'Of course, he's incredibly proud of the UK and as I say, anybody who has served in the forces, it doesn't matter if that's the British army or forces around the world, as we've found from our experience across the 26 nations of the Invictus community, everybody who has served has an incredibly deep-rooted sense of patriotism.'
Wiseman later shared that Harry's 'drive, direction and passion' has been a real driving force in the Invictus movement. He said: 'I'm not sure if that's been a factor in his decision-making for coming back to the UK, but we will certainly benefit from him being back home in Great Britain. Having him close, having him embedded within the team in the run-up to Birmingham next year.'
BBC Breakfast is available to watch on BBC One from 6am.
