Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returned to the UK at the end of August, a move that surprised many royal commentators but not his uncle, Earl Spencer. The Duke and Duchess had planned the move well in advance, with Newsweek reporting that school places for their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, had been arranged before their arrival on August 26.
Speculation over the return
Almost immediately, speculation began about the reason for the prince's return. Some wondered whether it might be linked to the King's health. King Charles had revealed his cancer diagnosis in early 2024, and while he said in December 2025 that an early diagnosis and effective intervention meant his treatment could be scaled back, concerns over the 77-year-old monarch's health remain.
Other royal experts suggested that the mixed responses to the Sussexes' various media ventures might have been a factor. But Earl Spencer has a far simpler explanation.
'An Englishman wants to move back'
“But is it astounding that an Englishman wants to move back to England?” Earl Spencer told royal biographer Tina Brown. “I don't think so.” He added that Harry and Meghan are “just regular people at heart,” and it seemed perfectly natural that “this English guy's lived in California, he wants to live in England.”
Asked what had prompted his return, Harry said there were “lots of reasons” but declined to elaborate. He told Canadian network CTV: “It's been great. It's been great to be back on British soil. The kids are happy in school and it gives me a chance to be able to really focus on the Invictus Games in Birmingham in July next year.”
Earl's role and new book
Earl Spencer said he hoped to be “just an elderly uncle who's there if needed” for Harry and his family while they remained in the UK. He added that he remained close to his nephew: “I mean, it's a matter of public record, and I wouldn't have shared this, but, you know, it's a matter of public record that Harry and his family came to stay with [the Earl's wife] Cat and me this summer. If I'm of any use for things like that, that's fine.”
In the interview, set up to publicise the Earl's new book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, he revealed that he hadn't spoken about the memoir's contents with either Harry or Prince William before it was published. “I took a conscious decision that this was very much... my story, my responsibility,” he explained. “I thought if I told my family, my sisters, my nephews, anyone else, they would all have a view, as to content, and what I must include, and what I mustn't.” The Earl said he told his family “on the day of the announcement before it went out, so they got almost no warning.”
William's reported reaction
According to a source quoted by Heat magazine, Prince William has responded angrily to some of the claims in the book, particularly the allegation that Charles was “giddily elated” when he learned of Princess Diana's death. William reportedly feels that stories of that nature would only serve to upset the King, and he “fears for his Pa's long-term health.”
“This is the absolute last thing that the King needs right now. His health is already precarious, and he's been told to keep his life as stress-free as possible to help in his cancer fight,” the source claimed. The King himself made a wry quip about his health as he visited Aberdeenshire to learn about a new renewable energy initiative. Unveiling a plaque to commemorate his visit, he said: “It's fantastic to see such a remarkable effort and teamwork and coordination. Whether I shall still be alive by the time you complete it, I don't know!”
