Harry and Meghan Return to Britain With Archie and Lilibet After Six Years in the US

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have returned to Britain with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, marking a major change for the Sussex family six years after they left the UK and stepped back from royal duties.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at Birmingham Airport around midday on Wednesday, August 26, after flying from California on a private jet. Their return comes as Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, prepare to begin at their new UK schools next week.

The family are understood to have travelled from Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles aboard a Bombardier Global Express XRS, a luxury long-range business jet chartered through California-based Planet Nine Private Air. The aircraft is believed to cost around $12,000 (£9,000) per hour to hire.

Their arrival was not accompanied by police protection, according to reports, as questions continue over whether British taxpayers could ultimately be responsible for the Sussexes’ security.

Harry, 41, and Meghan, 45, are expected to establish themselves at a non-royal property outside London while maintaining their homes in Montecito, California, and Portugal.

The family are also believed to have brought their dogs, Mia and Pula, with them from the US. Their chickens, however, will remain at the couple’s California home under local care.

A return few expected after Megxit

The Sussexes’ decision to establish a life in Britain comes as a surprise given their dramatic departure from royal duties in 2020.

After stepping down as senior working royals, Harry and Meghan moved to the United States and eventually bought their Montecito home, where they have spent most of the past six years raising Archie and Lilibet.

The couple have not publicly given a detailed explanation for the decision to relocate.

Sources close to Harry have said, however, that he never completely stopped missing Britain. After leaving royal life, the Duke reportedly missed the sense of connection and belonging he associated with home.

Harry is also said to want his children to understand the country where he grew up and the history of their family.

People magazine reported that the decision was made collectively by the family, with the Sussexes wanting to give Archie and Lilibet the opportunity to experience life in Britain.

For Meghan, who was born and raised in Los Angeles, the move also represents an opportunity for her children to experience both sides of their family background.

Archie and Lilibet prepare for UK school

The children’s education is one of the clearest signs that the move is intended to last beyond a short visit.

Archie and Lilibet have both been enrolled in UK schools and are expected to begin during the autumn term next week.

There has been speculation that the family’s stay could last only until autumn, while they continue maintaining their properties in Montecito and Portugal.

The Sussexes have also chosen to keep their children’s privacy tightly protected.

It is understood that no official photographs of Archie and Lilibet will be released when they begin school or on their birthdays.

The family’s return follows a significant meeting between Harry, Meghan and King Charles III last month.

In July, the couple took Archie and Lilibet to Highgrove to see their grandfather for the first time in four years.

Harry and Meghan are not believed to have discussed their plans to move back to Britain during that meeting. The King reportedly learned of the relocation only three days before it became public.

Harry’s relationship with William remains unresolved

The Sussexes’ return inevitably raises questions about Harry’s relationship with his older brother, Prince William.

The brothers have been estranged for years, with tensions intensifying after Harry and Meghan’s decision to step away from royal duties and relocate to the United States.

Harry subsequently made a series of allegations concerning members of the Royal Family in his interview with Oprah Winfrey, the couple’s Netflix documentary and his memoir, Spare.

According to Harry’s autobiography, the tension became particularly painful for their father.

Following Prince Philip’s funeral in 2021, Charles reportedly pleaded with his sons during a tense meeting: “Please, boys. Don’t make my final years a misery.”

There has been no public indication that William and Kate Middleton have changed their position following news of Harry and Meghan’s return.

William and Kate have not commented publicly on the move.

The wider Royal Family, meanwhile, has been spending its summer break at Balmoral. King Charles arrived at the Aberdeenshire estate last week, followed by William and Kate, while the Princess Royal and the Duke of Edinburgh have also been there.

The family’s presence at Balmoral could provide an opportunity for private discussions about the Sussexes’ return, although no such conversations have been publicly confirmed.

Charles reportedly welcomes more family time — but not a royal comeback

King Charles is said to be pleased at the prospect of spending more time with Harry, Meghan and his grandchildren.

But the Sussexes’ return does not mean they are being brought back into the working Royal Family.

Charles is understood to remain firm that Harry and Meghan will not resume their roles as working royals.

The distinction is significant. The couple will be living in Britain as members of the family rather than returning to official royal duties.

Harry’s future commitments will nevertheless include preparations for the Invictus Games, which are scheduled to take place in Birmingham in July 2027.

A source said Harry would be closely involved in preparations for the event and would be working on it “every day.”

Meghan continues building her business

While the Sussexes establish their new base in Britain, Meghan is expected to continue operating her lifestyle company, As Ever, from the UK.

On Wednesday, she unveiled the latest addition to the brand: Spiced Apple Butter.

The product, described as containing orchard apples and fragrant spices, was launched in time for the fall season.

Meghan also shared an Instagram story featuring what appeared to be a tea towel carrying the humorous message: “People who take care of chickens are literally chicken tenders.”

Her business activities are expected to continue despite the family’s relocation.

The Duchess is also reportedly pursuing acting opportunities. She is said to remain in discussions over a possible role in the third series of Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen, although neither the role nor the reports have been confirmed publicly.

Security remains one of the biggest unanswered questions

Perhaps the most complicated issue surrounding the family’s return is security.

Harry has spent years challenging the decision to reduce his level of taxpayer-funded protection after he stopped being a working royal in 2020.

He subsequently became involved in a lengthy legal battle with the Home Office over security arrangements for himself and his family while in Britain.

As recently as the end of June, Harry was still awaiting a review by the Risk Management Board as part of the process determining his security requirements.

Protective security decisions for senior public figures, including members of the Royal Family, are made through Ravec, the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures. The committee includes representatives from the Home Office, Metropolitan Police and Royal Household and advises an independent chairman.

The Sussexes’ circumstances could change if they become permanent UK residents again, but there has been no final public confirmation of what security arrangements will apply.

Their arrival in Birmingham without police protection has therefore renewed questions over who would ultimately pay for security if the family establishes a permanent life in Britain.

Where will the Sussexes live?

The exact location of the family’s new home has not been publicly confirmed.

They are expected to live somewhere outside London, while speculation has already focused on rural areas including the Cotswolds.

Whatever location they eventually choose, the Sussexes appear determined to maintain an international lifestyle rather than abandon their American and Portuguese bases.

Their move to Britain therefore represents neither a complete return to royal life nor a total break with California.

Instead, Harry and Meghan are preparing to divide their lives between several countries while their children begin a new chapter in the UK.

For Harry in particular, the move brings him back to the country he once left behind — and gives Archie and Lilibet the chance to experience the environment and family history he has reportedly wanted them to know.

The Sussexes have not publicly explained all of the reasons behind the relocation.

The Daily Mail contacted a representative for comment, while a spokesman told the BBC: “This is not something we would comment on.”