Prince Harry is reportedly feeling the pressure to ensure his wife, Meghan Markle, feels settled in the UK following their return to Britain in August. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved back with their two children just over a month ago, with the family of four thought to be living in the Cotswolds.
Meghan, 45, has not previously viewed the UK in a particularly positive light, with the couple having been vocal about the pressures of living there. According to royal expert Duncan Larcombe, Meghan will likely be feeling the same as Harry felt during their time in the US.
Homesickness and isolation concerns
Speaking to New Magazine, Larcombe said: "Meghan's bound to feel homesick and be missing California and her friends, especially her mum Doria, because she has been the one constant in Meghan's life over the past few years. She'll feel the same way that Harry felt when he was out there."
He added: "So there's a lot of pressure on Harry to make sure his wife is comfortable here, and she falls in love with the UK, because that didn't happen before. He'll want her to really feel that the UK is a second home, if not the first home, and that's going to be a huge challenge for him."
Larcombe continued: "The fact remains that she's thousands of miles away from her mother and her friends, and unless she can form a friendship group in the UK quickly, she's going to feel isolated and homesick."
Background of the couple's move
Harry and Meghan had previously lived in the US for six years. The couple moved to California to start a new life in early 2020, less than two years after tying the knot in Windsor. Meghan and Harry revealed that they wanted to swap royal life for a life working "to become financially independent".
The Duke and Duchess had since been trying to carve out a life in the US, with projects such as the release of Harry's memoir, Spare; the release of their joint docuseries; and the launch of As Ever, Meghan's lifestyle brand. Meghan had reportedly vowed never to set foot in the UK again, just months before the news of their shock return.
Current status and next steps
The couple were recently pictured enjoying a rare date night at a pub in Oxfordshire, but Meghan has yet to make an official public appearance. Meghan is thought to have been lying low since their return in order to settle Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, into their new life.
Speaking to the Daily Express last week, PR expert Rhea Freeman said Meghan's decision not to step out could be for an entirely different reason. Speaking about the recent leaked WhatsApp chat, which showed messages to and from Meghan, Ms Freeman said: "I feel like since the WhatsApp and social media mishap, Meghan might be keeping her head down a little, and I get that completely."
It is unknown how long Meghan and Harry plan on living in the UK, although their two children are fully enrolled in a school near their new home.
