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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly arrived in Britain with their two children, beginning what is expected to be an extended period in the UK.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are believed to have travelled privately from California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, with the family said to have landed in Birmingham.
Their arrival follows reports that Harry and Meghan were planning to return to Britain before the end of August. The family are expected to settle in a private residence, with speculation suggesting a property in the Cotswolds, although the exact location has not been confirmed for security reasons.
The timing of their return is particularly significant for Archie and Lilibet, who have reportedly already been enrolled at a British school. Both children are expected to begin the new academic term next week.
The Sussex family’s unexpected return comes just one month after Harry and Meghan reportedly brought Archie and Lilibet to Highgrove to reunite with King Charles. The July visit marked the first time the monarch had seen his Sussex grandchildren in four years.
Harry and Meghan stepped away from their positions as senior working royals at the beginning of 2020 before establishing a new home in California later that year. The couple had not returned to Britain together since 2022, when they travelled to the UK following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Their latest arrival has also renewed questions surrounding the Sussex family’s security while they are in Britain.
Harry previously lost a legal challenge concerning the level of police protection available to him and his family in the UK. The dispute followed changes to his security arrangements after he stopped carrying out official royal duties and moved overseas.
For now, it remains unclear exactly what protection Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet will receive during their stay, as well as who will be responsible for covering the costs.
Asked about reports that the family had arrived in Britain, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess declined to provide further details, saying: “This is not something we would comment on.”
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Meghan could also be preparing to revive her acting career following the family’s reported return to Britain. The former Suits star is said to remain in discussions over a possible role in the third season of Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen.
Despite establishing a new base in the UK, Harry and Meghan reportedly have no plans to give up their properties in Montecito or Portugal. Instead, the Sussexes are expected to adopt a more international lifestyle, dividing their time between different countries.
Exactly how long they will remain in Britain is still uncertain. A source told The Telegraph: “How long will they stay? I don’t know, but it will be for an extended period. Whether that’s six months, a year, two years… who knows.”
Their reported arrival also coincides with another development for Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever. Its latest product, Spiced Apple Butter, launches today and is described as combining orchard apples with fragrant spices.
Meghan also shared a light-hearted moment on Instagram, posting what appeared to be a tea towel carrying the joke: “People who take care of chickens are literally chicken tenders.”
Meanwhile, sources close to Harry have suggested that his emotional connection to Britain never disappeared completely after he stepped away from royal duties and relocated to the United States six years ago. According to the claims, the Duke “never really stopped missing home.”
Questions surrounding the Sussexes’ protection in Britain remain unanswered. The Home Office has declined to disclose details about any security arrangements in place for Harry, Meghan and their children.
A spokesperson explained: “The UK Government’s protective security system is rigorous and proportionate.”
They added: “It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals’ security.”
