The Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned to the UK on Wednesday (August 26) with their children, Archie and Lilibet, after stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and moving to Montecito, California. The couple are thought to have arrived by private plane in Birmingham just before midday and will now begin a new life in the UK as non-working royals.
Security and uncertainty surround the Sussexes' return
The Sussexes' security has generated much discussion in the UK since the news broke, but their arrangements remain unclear. Harry lost a legal bid over the level he and his family were entitled to while visiting the UK in 2025. Questions remain over what comes next for the couple, who sought to reinvent themselves as private citizens in the US.
One Meghan supporter, though, believes the move back to the UK could spell disaster. Ugly Betty actress Fumi Desalu-Vold said in an online video: "Meghan, you haven't even arrived and look at the chaos. For your mental health, emotional health and physical health, I would reconsider."
Plans for a new life in Britain
It’s speculated that the family could move into a home in the Cotswolds, with Archie and Lilibet reportedly already enrolled in an undisclosed school for the September term. A spokesman for the Sussexes has confirmed that their dogs, Mia and Pula, will be joining them in the UK, although their chickens will remain in the US.
King Charles reportedly learned of the move only this month, despite the Sussexes visiting him and Queen Camilla at Highgrove in July, with Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, also told of their intentions.
Royal expert predicts 'duelling courts'
It comes after an American royal expert explained how Harry and Meghan could potentially solve a future problem for the monarchy. John McDermott, Caloroga Shark Media co-founder and creator of the "Palace Intrigue" podcast, told the Express that we’re about to see a period of "duelling courts".
He said: "We are going to enter an interesting period of duelling courts. Harry is quite capable of championing the causes important to him without help from The Firm, as we have seen over the past few years."
"To me, the interesting piece is that Harry and Meghan could potentially help solve the future problem of there simply not being enough working royals, something that could become more apparent during William’s reign. If the brothers can patch things up, and the anniversary of Diana’s death next year seems like one possible opportunity, Harry and Meghan could be major assets to the Crown. But in the short term, I do not anticipate a return to royal duties."
