Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Harry and Meghan Return to UK After Six-Year Rift
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left their official royal jobs in 2020.
They moved to North America and began living as financially independent family members.
Since then, they have spoken publicly about difficult experiences with the royal family.
Harry also wrote a book and took legal action over security and newspapers.
Harry has visited his father, King Charles, who is being treated for cancer.
The family met King Charles and Camilla during a 2026 visit.
They have now returned to the UK, reportedly to live outside London.
They will remain private, non-working members of the royal family, so their return does not mean they are becoming working royals again.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have returned to the UK after six years of strained relations with the royal family.
The couple stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and later lost their HRH titles, police protection, and public funding.
Their public criticism included Meghan’s claims about suicidal thoughts and a royal family member’s question about her son’s skin colour.
Harry’s memoir, documentaries, interviews, and legal disputes further deepened tensions with the royal family.
Media reports say the family plans to live in central England, though they are not expected to resume official royal duties.
- Who
- Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children, alongside members of the British royal family.
- What
- Harry and his family returned to the UK amid reports that they plan to relocate there after a prolonged royal family rift.
- When
- The family arrived in Birmingham on August 26, 2026, after reports of a planned relocation first appeared on August 19.
- Where
- They arrived in Birmingham, with reports saying they may live in the Cotswolds region of central England.
- Why
- The move is presented as a personal and family decision that could create more opportunities for contact and reconciliation.
Harry and Meghan's perspective
Royal family and institutional perspective
Reasons for leaving royal duties
Harry and Meghan's perspective
Harry and Meghan said they wanted to step back from most royal duties, divide their time between the UK and North America, and become financially independent.
Royal family and institutional perspective
Queen Elizabeth II refused the arrangement as initially proposed, leading to an agreement that removed their HRH titles and royal benefits.
Treatment by the royal family
Harry and Meghan's perspective
Meghan said she faced intense pressure and had contemplated suicide, while the couple accused the royal family of failing to protect her and raised concerns about a question regarding their son’s skin colour.
Royal family and institutional perspective
The palace did not comment on the Oprah Winfrey interview, while the couple’s public criticism was described as damaging hopes of repairing family ties.
Meaning of the UK return
Harry and Meghan's perspective
The return could allow Harry and Meghan to spend more time with King Charles and create opportunities for family reconciliation.
Royal family and institutional perspective
The move does not restore official royal duties and may continue to divide public opinion and attract intense media scrutiny.
- Royal departure
- Harry and Meghan announced in January 2020 that they wanted to step back from most royal duties.
- Status
- They remain private, non-working members of the royal family and are not expected to resume official royal duties.
- Previous home
- After briefly living in Vancouver, Canada, the couple bought a house in Montecito, California.
- Security
- They lost police protection after the 2020 agreement, and Harry lost a UK appeal to regain it in May 2025.
- Family contact
- Harry met his father for the first time since 2024 in September 2025, according to the article.
- 2026 visit
- During a July 2026 UK visit, Harry and his family met King Charles and Camilla.
- Reported residence
- British media reported that the children had been enrolled in a school and that the family planned to stay in the Cotswolds.