Unease as Harry and Meghan return to the UK after 6 years

Prince Harry and his wife, Ms. Meghan Markle, have decided to return to the United Kingdom for a long period after six years of living in America. This news has succeeded in creating significant controversy, curiosity, and unease among the British public and the Royal Family.

Due to this sudden decision, King Charles III and Crown Prince William have become deeply uneasy, with Prince William working to maintain an even greater distance from his younger brother. According to recent polls, Prince Harry's popularity among the British public has fallen to 27%, and Meghan's popularity has dropped to 18%, placing them only slightly above the disgraced Prince Andrew. Royal analyst Richard Fitzwilliams points out to the 'Daily Mail' newspaper that such situations create a crisis atmosphere within the royal institution.

Although the Sussex couple spent a few days at the King's private residence in Highgrove last July with their children, 7-year-old Archie and 5-year-old Lilibet, King Charles only learned about this decision last Sunday. Although Buckingham Palace has officially refrained from commenting on this, it is clear that the King wishes to see his son and grandchildren. However, as decided in 2020, they will not be granted official royal duties again, and they will only be considered ordinary citizens.

It is said that the Sussex couple is expected to settle in a wealthy area outside London, such as the Cotswolds or Northampton. The British school term begins in the second week of September, and since both children have been enrolled in a London school, they are expected to arrive in Britain next month.

After losing the case concerning state-funded security against the RAVEC committee of the British Home Office in May 2025, Harry stated that it would be difficult to return to his homeland with his family. However, meeting Princess Diana's Spencer family relatives in July, the aspiration to provide a British education for the children, and the need to check on the health of King Charles, who is suffering from cancer, have led to this change in decision. Previously, in an interview with the BBC, Prince Harry also stated that he wished to reconcile with his family.

Opinions are being expressed that the decision regarding state security might be reviewed with their arrival, and Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that this is their private matter. There is no strong basis for the widespread talk regarding tax payments, and the couple has entered into a new agreement with Netflix. It has been revealed that its value is lower and more flexible than the $100 million agreement signed in 2022.

In the future, the main focus of the British media will be on brothers Harry and William, who are trying to avoid each other. Former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt states that with this arrival, two opposing power camps could be created between William and Harry. Furthermore, although Harry may have the opportunity to improve his relationship with his father, Prince William will face increased pressure for reconciliation, and he further points out that Prince William is likely to be deeply angered by this sudden arrival.