Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Sussexes’ UK Return Creates New Test for Royal Family
Prince Harry and Meghan may spend a long period living in the UK again.
They are expected to stay in a private home outside London, not in a royal residence.
Their children may attend school in the UK.
Harry and his brother, Prince William, have had a very difficult relationship for several years.
Some royal commentators think William and Catherine may feel worried about the extra attention.
They also say that simply living closer together will not automatically fix the family’s problems.
Harry and Meghan are not planning to become working royals again.
The situation is especially sensitive because King Charles is receiving cancer treatment.
The family could face more public questions about whether Harry and William will reconcile.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to return to the UK for an extended stay outside London.
Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are expected to begin school in the UK in September.
Royal commentators say the move could increase pressure on the strained relationship between Harry and Prince William.
Harry and Meghan are not expected to resume royal duties after stepping down as working royals in 2020.
The return comes as King Charles undergoes treatment for cancer and amid renewed attention on unresolved family divisions.
- Who
- Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince William, Catherine, Princess of Wales, King Charles, and their children are central to the report.
- What
- Harry and Meghan are expected to make an extended UK stay, potentially increasing pressure on strained royal family relationships.
- When
- The return is expected in connection with the children beginning school in the UK in September; King Charles was diagnosed with cancer in 2024.
- Where
- The Sussexes are expected to stay at a private, nonroyal residence outside London, while reported family events could include Balmoral and Highgrove House.
- Why
- The move is linked partly to the children’s schooling and family ties, but it may renew public attention on the unresolved rift between Harry and other senior royals.
Reasons the return could increase tensions
Reasons it could support family ties
Impact on William and Catherine
Reasons the return could increase tensions
Royal commentators said William was caught off guard and that he and Catherine could face renewed scrutiny and pressure over the family rift.
Reasons it could support family ties
The return would bring Harry geographically closer to his father and brother and could create opportunities for family contact, particularly through the children.
Whether proximity can repair the relationship
Reasons the return could increase tensions
Some commentators argued that trust has been badly damaged and that geography alone cannot repair the brothers’ relationship.
Reasons it could support family ties
Harry has publicly expressed concern about his father’s health and a wish for his children to have a relationship with their grandfather, suggesting family ties remain important to him.
Contact with King Charles
Reasons the return could increase tensions
Neil Sean claimed Harry and Meghan had not been invited to a private meeting with Charles during the holiday and that William did not want such contact while he was present.
Reasons it could support family ties
The report also says Charles met Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet at Highgrove House last month, indicating that some family contact has occurred.
- Expected residence
- A private, nonroyal residence outside London
- Children’s schooling
- Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are expected to begin school in the UK in September
- Royal duties
- Harry and Meghan are not expected to resume royal duties
- Previous departure
- The couple stepped down as working royals in 2020 and later moved to the United States
- King Charles
- He has been undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer diagnosed in 2024
- Recent family meeting
- Charles met Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet at Highgrove House last month
- Reported relationship tension
- Commentators said Harry and William have reportedly not spoken for years