Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been branded "pathetic" after it was reported they could be preparing to move back to the US. Speculation has been mounting that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex did not receive the reception they had hoped for when they returned to the UK at the end of August, with some suggesting they could be back in America "within weeks".
Harry's comments on British soil
However, Prince Harry, 42, recently told Canadian network CTV that it was "great to be back on British soil" and revealed that his two children are "happy in school". Despite this, questions remain over whether the couple intend to stay in the UK long-term.
They have already moved their children to a different school due to concerns over their safety, while Harry's publicly funded security arrangements remain under review.
Royal correspondent's criticism
Royal correspondent Rupert Bell has said he hopes, for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet's sake, that Harry and Meghan, 45, stay in the UK, but admitted that many people would be happy to see the back of the Sussexes if they decided to return to the US.
"For goodness sake, don't up sticks and leave again in six months time because they've been in one school for two days and then they were shoehorned out of that because of security implications, before being put into another school much nearer to where they live," Rupert said on TalkTV.
"I really do hope that for the sake of the children, they do keep their place in this country. Whether that's a good thing for most people, I'm not sure. I'm not sure they've been greeted with the reception that they wanted."
Security and comparisons to William and Catherine
Rupert continued: "There is a sense that people say it's blackmail by them saying, 'If we don't get our security then we're going to move again.' If that is the case then I think most people would probably say good riddance. If you can't make up your mind because you can't get what you want then that just looks a bit pathetic."
Turning his attention to Harry's desire for taxpayer-funded security, Rupert pointed out that other members of the Royal Family are able to operate successfully without it. "It seems as if the Sussexes are desperate to have that 'look at me' kind of security. Well, that security might actually be a bit more dangerous, particularly for someone like Harry and Meghan," he mused. "If you just go under the radar then perhaps it might just be better for all."
He compared the Sussexes to Prince William and Princess Catherine, explaining how they are able to drive their children to school "without fuss". Rupert remarked: "William and Catherine have been able to drive Charlotte and Louis to Lambrook without any fuss and bother. That seems to me that you can do it sensibly but Meghan and Harry don't seem to do things sensibly."
