A royal expert who has covered several of Prince Harry's UK visits says the Duke of Sussex appears happier whenever he returns to Britain.
Harry is back in the UK with Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, following six years living in the US.
Expert observes change in demeanour
Roya Nikkhah, chief royal correspondent of The Sunday Times, has closely followed Harry's appearances on home soil and believes there is a noticeable difference in his demeanour when he is here.
Discussing the Sussexes' return on The Royals with Roya and Kate podcast, Rosamund Urwin, chief news correspondent at The Sunday Times, suggested Harry may have grown bored with life in America after almost seven years away.
Roya agreed with her guest, saying: "He was. Yeah. He has looked much happier, as you touched on earlier, every time he comes back."
Latest visit marked by challenges
She reflected on Harry's latest UK visit, which coincided with a turbulent period for the Duke. Harry had travelled to Chatham House to speak about the Invictus Games when the judgment in his legal action against Associated Newspapers Limited was delivered, with the Duke losing his claims against the publisher.
His visit was also overshadowed by tensions with Buckingham Palace over whether he would stay at a royal residence. But, according to Roya, Harry appeared to regain his spirits as the week went on.
"But then, at the end of the week, he sort of pulled it back up and was on great form, doing his stuff," she said.
The royal correspondent pointed to his appearances in Birmingham, where he carried out Invictus-related engagements before taking part in an event for Scotty's Little Soldiers. Harry was also photographed doing yoga with children, something Roya said showed him "basically in his element".
His visit ended with the reunion he had been hoping for, when he met King Charles and spent time with his children.
Family returns for extended stay
Reflecting on Harry's behaviour during his trips back to Britain, Roya concluded: "So, however difficult things get for him, when he is back on home soil these days, he just does look a lot happier."
The comments come as Harry and Meghan have returned to the UK with Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, for what is expected to be an extended stay. The family arrived at Birmingham Airport on Wednesday after flying from California on a private jet.
A spokesperson declined to discuss the journey, citing privacy and security. "This is not something we would comment on," they said.
Their chickens have reportedly remained at their Montecito home, while dogs Mia and Pula travelled with the family. Archie and Lilibet have also been enrolled at British schools ahead of September, with the Cotswolds reportedly among the locations being considered for the family's new base.
Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020 before relocating to the US, where they have since spoken publicly about their experiences with the Royal Family. They remain non-working royals and are not expected to resume official duties despite their return to Britain.
