Earl Spencer has offered a simple explanation for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's return to the UK in August 2026. In a frank interview promoting his new book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, the Duke's uncle asked royal biographer Tina Brown: "Is it astounding that an Englishman wants to move back to England?" before adding "I don't think so."
He went on to say 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."
Harry's Own Words on the Return
Asked what had prompted his return to the UK, Harry said there were "lots of reasons" but refused to elaborate further. 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."
Some royal-watchers had thought the prince came home to spend more time with his father. King Charles disclosed his cancer diagnosis in early 2024, and while he stated in December 2025 that early diagnosis and effective intervention meant his treatment could be reduced, worries over the 77-year-old monarch's health persist. Other royal experts proposed that mixed reactions to the Sussexes' various media ventures might have played a part.
Earl Spencer's Role and Book Secrets
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, Earl Spencer revealed that he hadn't discussed 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 Reaction and the King's Health
According to a source quoted by Heat magazine, Prince William has reacted furiously to some of the allegations made in Earl Spencer's book, particularly the claim that Charles was "giddily elated" when he discovered Princess Diana's death. William allegedly believes that tales of this nature would only serve to distress 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 in the area. 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!"
