Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's shock decision to return to Britain has reportedly been welcomed by some of the Duke's old friends — despite years of strained relationships following Megxit.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved back to the UK last week with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, six years after stepping down as working royals and relocating to California. While details of their return remain limited, the couple are understood to be planning to live outside London, with their children enrolled in school.
Friends surprised but excited
One of Harry's longstanding friends admitted the announcement had come as a major surprise, saying he was nevertheless excited at the prospect of seeing the Duke again. They told The Evening Standard: "You could have knocked me down with a feather.
"So, so surprised but excited too. Since he has left I saw him once when I was in the States when I flew to the West Coast for work. Hardly anyone sees him when he visits the UK, apparently he has back-to-back events."
They added: "Although lots of us felt like he was darking us since he went rogue. I have to say everyone is pretty excited about him coming back. Maybe it will be like old times. Or if not old times, it would be nice if our kids could play".
Children enrolled in British schools
Harry, Meghan and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet flew into the country last week ahead of the start of the school term for the children. Archie and Lili have been enrolled in British schools, ready to start in September.
The Sussexes are said to be settling in the UK for an "extended period" of time, amid speculation as to how long they will stay and where they will live, with the Cotswolds being suggested as the most likely destination.
Mixed reception from family
Harry and Meghan, who are remaining as non-working royals, quit the monarchy six years ago amid the Megxit crisis, leaving to live in the US, from where they criticised both members of the royal family and the institution.
While relations between Harry and his father King Charles are believed to have thawed in recent months, Harry could still face a difficult reception from other members of the family. Queen Camilla is reportedly wary of the Duke following his public criticism of her, including claims made in his memoir Spare. Whilst Prince William and Princess Kate are not known to have expressed their pleasure about the return of Harry and Meghan.
The Waleses and the Sussexes are understood to have only spoken on a handful of occasions since Harry and Meghan left the UK.
