Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have returned to Britain with their children, Archie and Lilibet, for an announced extended stay, six years after stepping back from royal duties and relocating to California. The move is significant because it may allow King Charles to spend more time with his grandchildren, while also drawing attention to the Sussexes’ strained relationships with other senior royals and longstanding concerns about security.

The family reportedly arrived at Birmingham Airport on Wednesday on a private flight from Van Nuys, California, and left with their own security team rather than visible police protection. Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, are expected to start at British schools in September, while the couple plan to live in an undisclosed private residence outside London and retain their California home; they will remain non-working royals. Harry had said in May 2025 that he could not envisage bringing his wife and children to the UK because of security concerns after losing an appeal over police protection.