King Charles has reportedly made it clear that Prince William and the future of the monarchy remain his utmost priority, following Prince Harry's announcement of his return to the UK. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex sent shockwaves around the world on Wednesday night after it was reported that they plan to move back to Britain, more than six years after they relocated to the US.
Harry and Meghan's Return to the UK
Harry and Meghan will return to the UK later this month – making their home in a non-royal residence outside of London – and have already enrolled Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in British schools. It is understood there will be no change to Harry and Meghan’s role and status as private individuals and non-working members of the Royal Family.
Now, The Times reported that, while the King is “naturally pleased” with the move, which will allow him to see his younger son and grandchildren more regularly “in a private and personal capacity,” his core focus remains fixed on the future of the Royal Family.
King's Priorities and Institutional Focus
The newspaper stressed that the King, who was with William when the news broke, is adamant that the “work of the institution will not change”. It is also understood that Charles will not provide the duke and duchess with any type of accommodation and there are no plans for any taxpayer-funded armed police protection.
The Sussex children are expected to start at their new schools in early September. There will be no photographs of the children when they start school, and on their birthdays, as for working royals, it is understood. British media organisations have been instructed by the press regulator not to reveal the location of their new family home nor the children’s school.
Family Reactions and Public Opinion
The Prince and Princess of Wales have not reacted publicly to the news. William – the future king – is estranged from his brother following Harry’s controversial claims about the Royal Family in the wake of Megxit. The Sussexes are keeping their homes in Montecito, California, and Portugal, while the duchess will continue to run her lifestyle brand, As Ever, from their new base.
A new YouGov poll, carried out the day after the surprise U-turn, showed 33% believe the King’s youngest son and the former Suits star should not come back, while 45% do not know. Fewer than a quarter (21%) were in favour of the Sussexes relocating from the US.
