The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have returned to Britain with their children after six years living in the US, but a former royal aide has warned they face a difficult task if they want to win back the public.
Harry and Meghan are reportedly planning to spend an extended period in the UK with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, with their children having been enrolled in British schools ahead of the new term.
Five recommendations from a former royal press secretary
Ailsa Anderson, who previously worked as press secretary to the late Queen Elizabeth II, believes the Sussexes have a long road ahead if they want to repair their relationship with both the British public and the Royal Family. Speaking on the Daily Mail's Palace Confidential YouTube show, Ms Anderson set out five things she believes Harry and Meghan should do.
Her first piece of advice was to avoid actively chasing publicity. She said: "I have to say, sometimes I miss my old job, but today is not one of them. We see popularity polls for members of the Royal Family."
"The Sussexes are still way down those polls um along with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. So, they've got a lot to do to rebuild the trust of the British public and their own family."
Advice to stay under the radar
She said the couple should not attempt to compete with other members of the Royal Family or deliberately put themselves at the centre of attention. Instead, Ms Anderson advised them to "settle in the UK" and remain "under the radar" wherever possible.
Her final recommendation was to take things slowly, rather than attempting to repair years of strained relations in one dramatic move. "And start slowly rebuilding that trust because, even if you're going to come here and go all guns blazing, people are not going to like that," she said.
Long road to regain trust
The royal expert also warned that winning back public support would take considerable time. "And I think, you know, we've seen the coverage so far. They're not popular. So it's going to take a long time to actually regain that trust from the public and from their own family," she added.
The comments come after Harry, Meghan and their children reportedly flew into Birmingham Airport from California shortly before midday on Wednesday on a private Bombardier Global Express XRS. The couple have declined to discuss their travel arrangements, with a spokesman saying: "This is not something we would comment on."
Their dogs Mia and Pula reportedly travelled with them, while their chickens are staying behind at their Montecito home.
Speculation over living arrangements and security
There has also been speculation over where the family will live, with the Cotswolds among the locations suggested. Reports have differed over whether the stay will last only until autumn or whether Harry could remain in Britain for much longer so his children can receive a British education.
The Sussexes remain non-working royals after stepping down from royal duties in 2020 and moving to the US. Their return has also raised questions over security, with reports suggesting they currently have private protection rather than a publicly funded police convoy. A risk assessment concerning Harry's security is understood to have taken place at the end of July, although reports say he does not yet know the outcome.
