A new YouGov poll has found that a third of the British public are against the Duke and Duchess of Sussex returning to the UK, with the majority of people uncertain about the move.
The survey, carried out the day after Harry and Meghan's reported decision to relocate, showed 33% believe the King's youngest son and the former Suits star should not come back from the US, while 45% do not know. Fewer than a quarter (21%) were in favour of the Sussexes returning.
Generational divide on the Sussexes' return
The YouGov poll found the older generation was more likely to say they should not move back – with 47% of those over 65 thinking the couple should not return, compared with 24% of those aged 18-24.
The Sussexes decamped to California more than six years ago amid the turbulent Megxit crisis, which was followed by ongoing family fallouts and a barrage of accusations fired at the Prince and Princess of Wales and the King and Queen Camilla.
Security and school arrangements
Prime Minister Andy Burnham would not be drawn on Harry and Meghan's security arrangements in the UK, saying the funding for it was a “private matter” and “we wish them well in the moves that they’re making”. Questions remain unanswered as to whether taxpayers will foot the bill for their security, and the exact reason for their decision, with the Sussexes yet to comment publicly.
Harry has faced a protracted legal battle with the Home Office over the security arrangements for him and his family while in the UK, after his level of protection changed when he stepped down as a working royal in 2020. Individual decisions on protective security for key public figures – including members of the royal family – are made by Ravec, which includes the Home Office, Metropolitan Police and Royal Household, who advise an independent chairperson.
Archie and Lili are expected to start at their new schools in early September. The couple have already enrolled their children in British schools.
Expert warnings and royal reactions
PR and crisis expert Mark Borkowski warned the Sussexes' return could backfire. “If we’re going to see the typical Harry and Meghan three-ring circus, then we know what happens when that is played out,” Mr Borkowski told the Press Association. “That leads to massive disruption, and ultimately if they’re going to use the same tools in the same way – they’ve got to come up with a different play and a different script – that’s just repeating the sins of the past.”
He added: “The royal family will push against this big time. They will not want them back in the camp. They’ve got to do this by themselves. I don’t believe this is reconciliation with the royal household at all.”
The King is said to be glad to be able to spend more time with the Sussex family, but remains adamant they will not be working royals, and there is no half-in, half-out option. Speaking about the unexpected development, former royal correspondent Jennie Bond told Sky News: “I think we should beware a pile-on on Meghan in particular, and I can see that already happening. This is the decision they’ve made probably for the sake of their children, as much as for Harry. Perhaps Meghan is taking one for the team here, because I’m not sure this is her life’s desire to live back in the UK.”
Former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt suggested William would be “apoplectic”. Mr Hunt said: “In the long term, the return of the Sussexes to the UK opens up the prospect of two rival courts, William's and Harry's. The surprise return of Harry and Meghan is likely to have left William apoplectic.”
The Sussexes are keeping their homes in Montecito, California; and Portugal, while the duchess will continue to run her lifestyle brand, As Ever, from their new base. Ms Bond said retaining their other properties appeared to suggest the Sussexes were “testing the water” with the move.
