On Wednesday afternoon, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle touched down at Birmingham International Airport, bringing their children, Prince Archie (7) and Princess Lilibet (5), back to the United Kingdom for the first time since leaving royal duties in 2020. The private flight from Van Nuys, California, arrived just before noon, and the family departed the terminal without a visible police presence, relying instead on their own security team, according to reports from The Telegraph.
Extended stay plans
The Sussexes announced that the visit is part of an “extended” stay in Britain. Both children are already enrolled in British schools and are expected to begin classes in September. While the couple has not disclosed the exact location of their new residence, they have indicated they will live in a private, non‑royal home outside London and will retain their California property.
Royal family response
King Charles III has been informed of the move and, sources say, welcomes the opportunity to spend more time with his grandchildren. Prince William and Princess Kate have also been briefed. Royal experts note that William and Kate appear “concerned” about the Sussexes’ plans, suggesting a degree of tension within the family.
“Prince William was blindsided,” YouTube host Kinsey Schofield told Fox News Digital. Schofield explained that William had noticed Harry’s recent public comments about wanting to spend more time in Britain but did not anticipate a full family return. She added that William now faces a situation he did not create and would likely not have chosen given the current state of the siblings’ relationship.
Security and public reaction
Harry previously expressed doubts about returning to the UK due to security concerns. In a May 2025 interview with the BBC, he said, “I can’t see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the U.K. at this point,” after losing an appeal over the level of police protection he receives. The lack of a police escort this time suggests that the Sussexes have arranged their own security measures for the visit.
Kensington Palace declined to comment on private family matters, maintaining its usual policy of non‑engagement on personal issues.
What this means for the monarchy
The Sussexes remain “non‑working” royals, meaning the move does not signal a formal return to official duties. Nonetheless, their presence in Britain may influence public perception of the royal family and could affect future discussions about the role of senior royals who have stepped back from official responsibilities.
As the family settles into their new routine, observers will watch how their extended stay impacts both the monarchy’s public image and the dynamics among the royal siblings.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
