Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are settling into their new lives in the UK after relocating back to Harry's home country following six years in California. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, along with their children Archie and Lilibet, arrived at Birmingham Airport at the end of August and are believed to be residing in the Cotswolds.
With Harry and Meghan still finding their feet after the transatlantic move, all while preparing their children to start the new school year in Britain in the coming days, royal commentators have questioned what could be next for Harry's relationship with King Charles. When it was announced that the Sussex family would be moving back to the UK just ten days before arriving, royal sources told the Mirror that the King was 'blindsided' by the news.
King Charles 'blindsided' by the Sussex return
It is understood that Charles was not informed of their decision to move back to the UK during their family meeting in Highgrove in July, in which Harry and Meghan, their children, and the King and Queen were all present. The King is believed to have not yet seen his son since he moved back to the UK.
A royal source said: "The King and the entire Royal Family have undoubtedly been blindsided by the announcement from Harry and Meghan that they are returning to the UK. While the King will be delighted at the prospect of seeing his grandchildren on a more regular basis, there will be concerns over the true motivation for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision to leave the United States after everything that has occurred since they decided to leave their royal roles."
Harry urged to explain his reasons to his father
According to the Mirror's royal editor Russell Myers and deputy royal editor Jennifer Newton, Harry now has no choice but to explain himself to his father and unpack why he chose not to tell him of their move ahead of time. On the Mirror's award-winning Pod Save the King YouTube show, Russell said that Harry and Meghan would still likely be "unpacking boxes and getting school uniforms ironed", but once they settle in, there is one major thing Harry must do.
Russell said: "Once everything is all sorted, surely they're going to have to see the King, whether it's in London or at Highgrove, and explain the full reasons of what they're doing back in the UK."
Baby steps needed to mend the relationship
While Russell believes Harry and Meghan need to make contact with the King soon to explain their actions, Jennifer added that due to Charles being blindsided by their move, it may not be so easy. Jennifer said: "I think it would be hard for them to start going around every weekend because there has been so much said. And you have to remember, there's only been two meetings between Harry and the King in two years, so it's probably going to take some baby steps.
"More regular meetings here and there and mending that relationship over time would lead to a more public reconciliation, but we'll have to wait and see."
