Meghan Markle has posted a cryptic message about chickens on her Instagram story, following reports that the family will leave their beloved birds behind in California when they relocate to Britain. The flock, kept at their Montecito estate, will reportedly be cared for by staff during the family's stay in the UK, while their dogs Mia and Pula will accompany them across the Atlantic. The detail has drawn attention as a possible signal that Prince Harry and Meghan intend to keep close ties to California rather than settle permanently in Britain.

The Duchess's chickens, including a rescue named Silkie, live in a coop called "Archie's Chick Inn" and have featured on her Netflix show; her Instagram message read: "People who take care of chickens are literally chicken tenders." The wider move comes as the Sussexes prepare to arrive in Britain this week ahead of Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, starting school in September, with the family planning an "extended stay" in a non-royal residence while retaining their homes in Montecito and Portugal. They will not resume duties as working royals, and questions remain over security funding and the precise reasoning behind the relocation; a recent YouGov poll found only 21 per cent of respondents supported the Sussexes' return.