The couple's return, first reported by the BBC and confirmed by multiple outlets, marks their first extended stay in Britain since they relocated to Montecito, California, in 2020. The family arrived just days before their two children are due to start school, according to reports from Australian media outlets that cited unnamed sources.
While the specific duration of their visit and their precise plans remain unconfirmed, the arrival represents a significant shift for the couple, who have maintained a transatlantic presence through occasional visits, including for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and King Charles III's coronation in 2023. Their last reported joint visit to the UK was in May 2024 for a brief engagement.
The decision to return has sparked widespread speculation about the state of relations between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family. The couple's departure from the UK in early 2020, following what was termed the 'Megxit' crisis, led to a formal agreement that stripped them of their royal patronages and official roles, while they retained their titles as Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The family's landing in Birmingham is notable, as the city is outside the usual London-centric royal itinerary. It is not yet clear whether their return signals a permanent relocation or an extended stay, but the timing—just before the start of the school term—suggests a desire for stability and normalcy for their children, Archie (7) and Lilibet (5).
Spokespeople for Buckingham Palace and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not issued official statements regarding the arrival or any planned engagements with senior royals. The last public interaction between Harry and his father, King Charles, was a brief meeting in London in February 2024, which was widely described as cordial but did not result in a full reconciliation.
The couple's arrival comes amid ongoing public interest in their commercial ventures, including Harry's memoir Spare, Meghan's lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard, and their multimillion-dollar Netflix deal. Their return to the UK may also revive debates about security arrangements, as Harry has previously challenged the British government's decision to downgrade his personal security when he is in the country.