After many years living in California, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a shocking decision to return to the United Kingdom in September 2026.
Continuing their non-royal lifestyle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have moved to a private residence in the Cotswolds region of England with their children Archie and Lilibet.
Since moving, the pair have kept a relatively low profile. But slowly, royal watchers have seen glimpses into their UK life thanks to social media.
Meghan’s bestie Kelly McKee Zaifen shared a collection of pictures online, from relaxing at the pub and the Duke and Duchess playing with her son Jack in their Cotswolds home. But the picture that stood out the most, was baby Jack with Princess Lilibet.
“There’s something so special about getting a taste of this magical place with my bestie, and having my sweet Jack along for the adventure,” Kelly captioned the post. “I’ve loved seeing this sweet chapter through her eyes and daily adventures! Especially getting to experience so many little firsts with Jack by my side.”
Prior to this, Meghan shared a fun video to Instagram. The post included the family splashing in the mud, fishing, nights by the fire, and just general exploring of their new home. The Sussexes seem to be settling in nicely – Archie’s accent can even be heard in the video!
He was less than a year old when the family relocated, and Lilibet was born in the US. In comparison to the Wales children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, whose childhoods are very public, royal watchers know little about the Sussex children.
Watch the video below.
Since rumours of their return spread like wildlife online, royal watchers have asked one question: Will Meghan and Prince Harry return to their royal duties?
King Charles quickly cleared any confusions after sending a letter – also shared with senior military and government officials – confirming Prince Harry and Meghan are private citizens and will not undertake royal duties on behalf of the monarchy. Nor will they use their HRH titles, as per the requirements laid out by Queen Elizabeth II when the couple stepped down in 2020.
“This position, distinct from the State and Royal duties undertaken by the working Royal Family, and with the personal latitude it brings the couple in respect of financial independence and protection of their privacy as they would wish, will continue to be fully respected,” the letter, written by the Lord Chamberlain Lord Benyon on behalf of the King, read.
“The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity. In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.”
However, both Meghan and Harry will continue to engage in public duties.
Prince Harry’s first UK engagement will be the inaugrak Invictus Spirit Awards, held on September 17 in London. The ceremony celebrates those who have empowered others through their generosity, teamwork and commitment. A few days later on September 21, he will attend the WellChild Awards, which the Duke has been a patron of for 18-years.
“It is always a privilege to be part of the WellChild Awards and to meet the extraordinary children, young people, families and professionals whose courage and determination inspire us all,” he said in a statement.
“This year feels particularly special as we celebrate 20 years of the WellChild Nurse programme; two decades of supporting thousands of children and families and helping them to live more of their lives at home. These Awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate that impact, but above all to celebrate the incredible people at the heart of it. Their stories are a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through compassion, connection and community.”
Meghan will also return to charity work once the children settle in. Royal or not, Meghan has continued to pursue charitable endeavors, particularly through the Archewell Foundation.
A source has informed Star Meghan is second-guessing their decision to return following the mass-backlash.
“There’s [an] uncertainty over how things are going to go with the royals and the British public,” the source claimed. “Meghan is understandably pretty anxious about that and already wondering if this was a mistake.”
Despite these claims, the two children will begin school in the coming days. Security also remains a huge concern for the family.
The Sussexes lost their right to tax-payer funded security after stepping down in 2020. On multiple occasions, Prince Harry has pleaded with officials to restore his and his family’s protection, claiming it was unsafe to return to the UK without such measures.
In April 2019, Prince Harry was declared a high risk target following a full security risk assessment. At this time, the only other high risk targets were Queen Elizabeth II and the then-Prime Minister Theresa May.
Prince Harry and Meghan did visit in 2022 for the late Queen’s funeral. After two years, the Duke visited his father after his cancer diagnosis was publicly revealed.
The entire family visited in July 2026, but due to security concerns, Meghan stayed out of the spotlight with her two children. Speculation over the father-and-son relationship went awry when sources claimed Prince Harry would be residing at Buckingham Palace during this time. Such reports were swiftly denied by the palace, claiming the Duke did not accept the invitation in time.
However, ABC reported King Charles welcomed the Sussexes return to the UK.
