Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have returned to the United Kingdom with their children for an extended stay, six years after their departure from royal duties.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, both 40, landed at Birmingham Airport at lunchtime on Wednesday with Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5. The family is beginning what sources described as an “extended” stay in England, marking their most significant return to the UK since stepping back as working royals in 2020.
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet will begin school in England next week, the outlet reported. The children’s enrollment marks a major shift in the Sussexes’ living arrangements, as the family has been based in Montecito, California since 2020.
The outlet has reached out to Harry and Markle’s reps for comment on the move. No official statement from the Sussexes’ team had been released as of Wednesday.
In the viral moment that came to define their break with the monarchy, Harry and Meghan announced in January 2020 that they would step back as senior working royals and work to become financially independent. The move, quickly dubbed “Megxit” by the British press, sent shockwaves through the royal family and led to intense public debate about the couple’s future role. They subsequently relocated to North America, eventually settling in a $14 million estate in Montecito, California, where they have raised their two children away from the intense scrutiny of British royal life.
The couple’s return comes amid ongoing speculation about their relationship with the royal family, particularly with King Charles III and Prince William. The Sussexes have made only brief visits to the UK since their departure, including appearances for charitable events and the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and funeral.