King Charles blindsided as Harry and Meghan plot UK return, LIV-PGA talk sparks McIlroy scorn

Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are expected to return to the UK from California with their children for an extended stay, reportedly based at a private non-royal home outside London. Their children are said to have enrolled at British schools, while the couple are expected to remain non-working members of the royal family and retain homes in California and Portugal. Reports say King Charles was informed of the plans shortly before they became public; however, ITV reported that he welcomed the prospect of seeing the family more often in a private capacity. Buckingham Palace and the Sussexes did not provide detailed public comment, so descriptions of the King being “blindsided” reflect reporting about the timing of notification rather than a confirmed account of his reaction.

The golf element concerns comments Rory McIlroy made before the BMW Championship about the possible return of LIV Golf players to the PGA Tour. Asked whether leading LIV players would add value to the PGA Tour, McIlroy responded by questioning the value they had brought to LIV, while saying a return was likely eventually but would be difficult. The remarks came amid uncertainty over LIV Golf’s future and reports that players including Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau could seek a route back to the PGA Tour. McIlroy’s position contrasted with Scottie Scheffler’s, who said some LIV players would add value but should face penalties; characterising McIlroy’s comments as “scorn” is therefore an interpretation of his criticism rather than a separate dispute over merger talks.