Sussexes Return: Royal Rift Heals as Harry & Meghan Move Back to UK

Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are set to return to Britain in the coming weeks, nearly seven years after they stepped away from their roles as working royals. This significant move, confirmed in August 2026, marks a new chapter for the couple and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

The Sussexes will continue as non-working members of the royal family, a status that has defined their lives since January 2020. At that time, they announced their intention to "carve out a progressive new role," stepping back as senior royals to pursue financial independence while supporting Queen Elizabeth II. This announcement triggered a crisis within the monarchy, leading to the forfeiture of their loftiest titles and the repayment of taxpayer funds for their Windsor Castle residence.

Their departure from royal duties in March 2020 led them to resettle in California. There, they embarked on new Hollywood careers, establishing Archewell Productions and signing a lucrative deal with Netflix in September 2020. Their decision to remain non-working royals was definitively confirmed by Buckingham Palace in February 2021, following Queen Elizabeth II's unwillingness to support a partial royal arrangement.

The couple's experiences in Britain, particularly the intense pressure and media targeting of Meghan, were later detailed in a March 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey. Meghan spoke of her struggles with mental health and highlighted issues of race and privilege. Prince Harry's memoir, "Spare," released in January 2023, further elaborated on family dynamics and personal challenges.

Notable appearances since their departure include attending Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee in June 2022 and her funeral in September 2022. Prince Harry also attended his father King Charles III's coronation in May 2023, albeit briefly. Meghan launched her lifestyle show, "With Love, Meghan," on Netflix in March 2025, with her accompanying brand, "As ever," subsequently going independent.

The Sussexes' production company signed a new Netflix deal in August 2025, reportedly less lucrative than their previous arrangement. A significant family meeting occurred in July 2026 when the duke and duchess, along with their children, met King Charles III and Queen Camilla for the first time in years, sparking speculation about a potential reconciliation.