Six years after stepping back from active royal duties and moving to the United States, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to return to Britain, a development that could affect the future of the British royal family.
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to live with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in a private residence on the outskirts of London. The move is not linked to a return to official royal engagements, but the couple’s permanent presence in the country could further strain already fragile relations within the royal family.
Harry and Meghan will continue to have the status of private members of the family, and the Palace is not expected to restore the previous model of engagement that existed before they stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
However, their return to Britain has once again drawn attention to Harry’s difficult relationship with his elder brother, Prince William.
Tensions between the two brothers have escalated since Harry and Meghan’s departure, their public statements, their interview with Oprah Winfrey and the publication of Harry’s memoir, “Spare.”
According to The Telegraph, William and his wife, Kate Middleton, were informed of the Sussexes’ decision around 24 hours before it was made public. So far, the heir to the throne has not responded publicly.
Peter Hunt, the BBC’s former royal correspondent, has expressed concern that Harry’s return could confront William with a new situation and fuel the idea that “two rival courts” could emerge in the future.
Hunt believes Harry may have a closer relationship with his father, King Charles III, while his presence in Britain could make it harder for William to avoid reconciling with his brother.
Charles III is understood to have learned of his son’s decision only three days before the official announcement.
For the King, Harry and Meghan’s return could provide an opportunity for more frequent meetings with his son and two grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.
In recent years, Charles has shown that he wants to keep communication with Harry open. However, the relationship between the two brothers remains one of the most sensitive issues facing the royal family.
In May 2025, Harry told the BBC that he wanted to reconcile with his family. He also expressed regret that his children had not had the opportunity to get to know his home country better.
The decision has also raised questions about Meghan Markle’s position on the return.
Royal analyst Jenny Bond told Sky News that Meghan may be making a “sacrifice” for the family, as it remains unclear whether returning to Britain is her personal wish.
According to Bond, one of the couple’s main reasons appears to be their desire to give their children a stronger connection to Britain.
Meanwhile, Meghan is expected to continue her business activities and retain control of the lifestyle brand “As Ever.”
People close to the couple have said Harry’s desire for his children to be educated in the British system was among the main driving forces behind the decision.
Archie and Lilibet are reportedly enrolled at a British school, where they are expected to begin classes in September.
In July, Charles III and his wife, Camilla, met Harry, Meghan and their children in London. It was the first meeting of its kind in four years.
Harry, 41, has travelled to Britain several times in recent years. In February 2024, he met his father shortly after Charles’s cancer diagnosis was made public. Later, in September 2025, Harry was invited to tea at Clarence House.
The Sussexes’ return is also expected to reopen divisions in British public opinion.
Harry and Meghan’s relationship with the British public remains complicated, particularly following their interviews and statements about the period when they were part of the royal family.
A YouGov poll conducted in July showed that only 22% of Britons have a positive opinion of Meghan, while 65% view her negatively. For Harry, 33% expressed a positive opinion and 58% a negative one.
The couple married in 2018 and announced in January 2020 that they would step back from active royal duties. Two months later, Harry and Meghan moved to California, where they began a life away from the royal family.
Six years later, their return to Britain does not represent a return to royal duties, but it could once again alter the balance within the monarchy, particularly the relationship between Harry, William and Charles.
