Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have begun settling into their new life in Britain after moving back to the UK with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. But the family’s return has raised fresh questions about Harry’s relationship with his father, King Charles III.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at Birmingham Airport toward the end of August after spending around six years living in California. They are believed to be making their home in the Cotswolds while preparing Archie and Lilibet for the new school year in Britain.
The timing of the move has attracted particular attention because reports suggested the King was not told about the Sussexes’ plans before their announcement. According to a royal source cited by the Mirror, the decision reportedly came as a surprise to Charles and other members of the Royal Family.
The family had previously met at Highgrove in July, with Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet joining King Charles and Queen Camilla. However, it was reported that the Sussexes did not reveal their plans to return to Britain during that meeting.
The development has prompted discussion about what happens next between Harry and his father.
Speaking on the Mirror’s Pod Save the King podcast, royal editor Russell Myers suggested that Harry and Meghan should eventually sit down with the King and explain their reasons for returning to Britain.
Myers acknowledged that the Sussexes were likely busy dealing with the practical side of the move, including settling into their new home and getting their children ready for school. However, he argued that a conversation with Charles would eventually be necessary.
He said Harry and Meghan would need to meet the King, either in London or at Highgrove, and explain the reasons behind their decision to return.
The issue may be more complicated because Harry and Charles have had limited contact in recent years. Deputy royal editor Jennifer Newton pointed out that the father and son have reportedly met only twice in the past two years.
Newton suggested that rebuilding their relationship would probably require a gradual approach rather than an immediate return to frequent family visits.
She said that regular meetings "here and there" could potentially help repair the relationship over time and might eventually create the possibility of a more public reconciliation.
For now, there is no indication that Harry and Charles have returned to a close relationship. The Sussexes are still adjusting to their move, while the King will have to navigate the implications of having his son and grandchildren living much closer to him again.
The return to Britain could therefore provide Harry and Charles with more opportunities to rebuild their relationship, but royal commentators believe any progress is likely to happen slowly.
The immediate focus remains on the Sussex family’s new life in the UK and whether Harry will take the opportunity to have the candid conversation with his father that commentators believe is needed.
Key Takeaways:
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have returned to the UK with Archie and Lilibet after years in California.
- The Sussexes are believed to be living in the Cotswolds.
- Reports say King Charles was not informed about their return before it was announced.
- Royal commentators have urged Harry to explain the decision directly to his father.
- Jennifer Newton suggested rebuilding the relationship could require small, gradual steps.
