One month ago today, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle touched down at Birmingham Airport to begin a new chapter of their lives in the UK. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, along with their children Archie and Lilibet, had been residing in sunny California for six years, after Harry and Meghan quit their royal roles in 2020.
The Sussexes have spent the last month settling into their new lives in Harry's home country in different ways. The Duke has hit the ground running with several appearances at major events for causes that are close to his heart, such as Invictus and the WellChild Awards.
Meghan's low-profile start
For Meghan however, she has maintained a low profile. She was pictured this week for the first time since her UK return spending time in an Oxfordshire pub with fellow expat Ellen DeGeneres.
She was then captured hosting a friend from the US, with her long time pal Kelly McKee Zajfen posting a series of photos of the Duchess alongside a caption thanking people for making Meghan welcome back in Britain.
School disruption and royal status
Archie and Lilibet had a rocky start to their time in the UK, as just two days after starting school, they were removed from the school due to security concerns. Now, the Sussex children are enrolled in another school closer to their home.
King Charles also weighed in on the family's return to England, with a statement from the monarch clarifying that although Harry and Meghan are returning to the home country of the Royal Family, they were to be categorised as 'private citizens' and would not be resuming their royal duties.
Royal commentator's view
With the Sussex's return to the UK being fraught with challenges, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes that despite the numerous difficulties, Harry in particular seems elated to be back on British soil.
Jennie told the Mirror: "Harry's own take on his first few weeks is that they have been 'eventful'. And they certainly have. We know that they were 'a little surprised' by the directive sent out from the Palace about their status as private citizens. I think for 'surprised', we could read 'angry'.
"And the problems over the school run must have been disappointing and unsettling for the whole family. However, to be fair, Harry and Meghan seem to have been getting on with their lives relatively quietly and Harry has looked extremely happy and relaxed at his charity events."
Jennie continued: "He seems quite open about how pleased he is to be back in the UK. I must admit I thought he was content in the Californian sunshine, but there's clearly a lot about home that he was missing – maybe even the weather."
Future plans and family relations
With sources claiming Harry and Meghan are planning on staying in England for an 'extended period', Jennie said there is one major factor that will impact their decision making on staying in the UK.
"I suppose the question about whether it can work in the long-term depends on how happy Meghan will be here," Jennie explained. "But they seem to have worked out a plan to be an international family, sharing their time between the UK, Montecito and occasionally Portugal.
"They've made it clear that they haven't burned their bridges, but I'm sure they will want to give Archie and Lilibet as settled a school life as possible."
It is believed the Prince and Princess of Wales have not spoken to Harry and Meghan since they've been back, while relations have allegedly thawed between King Charles and his youngest son.
And while the Royal Family have not commented publicly on the Sussex's return, Jennie said there is little for them to say as long as Harry and Meghan are in the UK to stay.
"As for the rest of the Royal Family, well, they're just going to have to get along with it. Harry and Meghan have presented them with a fait accompli and, for the foreseeable future, they simply have to find a way to make it work," Jennie said. "Let's wish them all luck!"
