Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have returned to the United Kingdom with their two children, Archie and Lilibet, six years after stepping down as senior members of the British royal family and moving to the United States.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in Birmingham on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, marking a significant moment in their relationship with the UK. Their return comes after years of living in California and maintaining an independent life away from the senior royal family.
According to reports, the couple travelled privately from California and landed in Birmingham around lunchtime. The family reportedly flew from Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles aboard a Bombardier Global Express XRS business jet chartered from California-based Planet Nine Private Air.
Reports suggested the journey lasted at least 10 hours, with private jet flights of that type potentially costing thousands of dollars per hour.
Harry and Meghan return with their children
Harry and Meghan travelled with their children, seven-year-old Archie and five-year-old Lilibet.
The family is expected to remain in the UK for an extended period, although there is currently no fixed date for their departure.
A source reportedly told The Telegraph that the length of their stay remains uncertain and could range from several months to a number of years.
Their return is particularly notable because Archie and Lilibet have spent much of their young lives in the United States. The move could provide the children with more opportunities to spend time with members of their extended family in Britain.
The Sussexes are not, however, returning to royal duties.
Instead, they are expected to live in a non-royal residence while continuing their independent businesses and projects.
Six years after Megxit
Harry and Meghan’s return comes six years after their decision to step back from their roles as senior working royals.
The move, which became widely known as “Megxit”, resulted in the couple relocating to North America and establishing a new life in California.
Since leaving royal duties, the couple have pursued a number of independent ventures, including media projects, charitable work and other commercial activities.
Their decision to return to Britain for an extended period therefore does not represent a return to their previous official positions within the monarchy.
Instead, the family appears to be establishing a new relationship with the country while maintaining the independence they have built since leaving royal life.
Harry wants to be closer to his father
Reports have suggested that Harry’s desire to spend more time in Britain is partly connected to his relationship with his father, King Charles.
The Duke of Sussex has previously spoken publicly about his relationship with the royal family and his concerns about security while visiting Britain.
Sources cited by Page Six said Harry wanted to move closer to his father and also hoped his children could develop stronger relationships with their royal relatives.
The issue has taken on greater significance as Archie and Lilibet grow older.
Although the children have occasionally visited Britain, much of their childhood has been spent in California.
Their extended stay could therefore allow them to become more familiar with their father’s home country and members of the wider royal family.
Meeting with King Charles
The family’s return follows a meeting between Harry, Meghan and King Charles last month.
The meeting was significant because Harry’s relationship with members of the royal family has experienced considerable strain since the Sussexes stepped down from royal duties.
Reports suggested that King Charles only learned about the couple’s plans to return to the UK days before news of the move became public.
The latest development could potentially create opportunities for further family contact, although the precise nature of their arrangements remains private.
No return to royal duties
Despite the family’s return, Harry and Meghan are not expected to resume their former roles as senior working royals.
They will continue to operate independently and are expected to maintain their business and charitable interests.
Their decision to settle temporarily in a non-royal residence also reinforces the distinction between their current life and their former official royal responsibilities.
The family is also bringing their dogs, Mia and Pula, from California. Their chickens, however, will reportedly remain at their Montecito home.
A new chapter for the Sussex family
Harry and Meghan’s return represents a major change from the circumstances surrounding their departure from Britain six years ago.
The couple left the country seeking greater independence and eventually established a permanent home in California. Now, with their children older, they are preparing to spend an extended period in the UK.
The move could give Archie and Lilibet a greater connection to Britain while allowing Harry to spend more time near his father and other relatives.
At the same time, the Sussexes appear determined to maintain the independent lifestyle they have built since leaving royal duties.
For now, it remains unclear how long the family will stay in Britain or what their extended presence will mean for their relationship with the wider royal family.
What is clear is that Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet have begun a new chapter — one that brings the Sussex family back to Britain while allowing them to maintain their lives outside the institution of the monarchy.
