Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are "happy to be back" on British soil as they focus on getting Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet settled, according to reports. Archie, seven, and five-year-old Lilibet have already started their new school term in the UK following the family's move from the US two weeks ago, People magazine reports.
Couple's focus on settling children
A source close to the couple said making sure the youngsters are settled "has been, and remains, their focus. Everything else will fall into place when the time is right". The source added: "There is a lot to do. They have just moved halfway across the world and it's been really busy getting the kids settled. Their focus has been on that, and will remain on that, for the time being. They are happy to be back."
The update offers the first real glimpse into the Sussexes' feelings as tensions grow between Team Sussex and the Royal Household.
Tensions over King's letter
A source close to the pair pointed to a letter sent on behalf of King Charles as the reason for Uganda's sudden decision to pull out of Harry's Invictus Games. Harry and Meghan were reportedly given just an hour's warning before the Lord Chamberlain's letter went live on Monday, leaving them no time to set the record straight. It is understood the couple prefer to be branded "public figures" rather than "private citizens".
Confirming the move, Uganda's military chief General Muhoozi Kainerugaba said the nation had backed out over "that Harry-Meghan nonsense", insisting they would "not participate in anything" without the King's "approval". A Sussex insider told ITV News: "Intended or unintended, this is clearly a consequence of the Lord Chamberlain's guidance regarding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex that was rushed out without consultation on Monday. Sadly, the only people who will suffer are the Invictus Games competitors."
Background and public opinion
Harry and Meghan stepped away from the working monarchy six years ago for a new life in the US. A fortnight ago, they moved back, having enrolled Archie and Lilibet in new schools, with Meghan rumoured to be returning to acting. The Sussexes, who are waiting to see whether they will be given taxpayer-funded security, were said to be "surprised" by the formal letter to senior stakeholders in the government and military, which classified them as "private citizens".
A new YouGov poll has found that just 16 per cent of Britons would like Harry and Meghan to return to being working members of the royal family, while 51 per cent would rather they did not. Around 33 per cent did not know either way. In January 2020, the Duke and Duchess announced they intended to step back as "senior" members of the royal family, become financially independent and still support Elizabeth II, but split their time between the UK and North America. The late Queen ruled at the Sandringham Summit, convened to resolve the Megxit crisis, that the couple could not be half in and half out, with the King asserting the agreement still stands.
