Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Touch Down in the UK With Their Children

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have arrived back in the United Kingdom with their two children, touching down at Birmingham airport at lunchtime on August 26, according to The Telegraph, as reported by Town & Country.

The BBC's royal correspondent Daniela Relph first confirmed the Sussexes were landing that day, capping a week of reporting that began the previous Wednesday evening, when two UK newspapers, a US magazine, and an Australian website all revealed the return plan. The New York Times had reported on August 19, citing two people familiar with the matter, that the family was moving back to Britain in the coming weeks. The Guardian and People magazine confirmed the same: a relocation from California, with seven-year-old Archie and five-year-old Lilibet set to begin at a British school in September.

It has been six years since Harry and Meghan left the UK. They stepped back from their roles as working royals — the family members who carry out official duties on behalf of the monarch — in 2020, relocating to Montecito, California. Their last extended visit with the children was in June 2022, for Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee.

Sources made clear to Town & Country that there is no change to Harry and Meghan's status as non-working royals. They are not rejoining the royal rota system or resuming official duties. The family is said to be basing themselves outside London, in an area widely believed to be the Cotswolds — the rural region of southern England popular with those seeking privacy and countryside life.

King Charles III was informed of the return decision the Sunday before their arrival, and is said to welcome the opportunity to spend more time with his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren in a private capacity. Prince William has made no such statement. The brothers remain estranged, as People and other outlets have noted throughout the year.

The reversal is striking given what Harry said publicly. In May 2025, he told the BBC he "could not see a world" in which he would bring his wife and children back to the UK. His concern was security: Harry had argued that the lack of guaranteed police protection made returning unsafe for his family. It has now been reported that his security arrangement may be reviewed.

The couple are said to want their children educated in the UK and to strengthen ties with Harry's family and home country. Harry is believed to want to work with charities and make public appearances during their time in Britain.

For Meghan, there may be a professional dimension. People reported that her return to acting — her first role in nearly a decade — is a major reason behind the relocation. She has been in talks over a part in the Netflix series The Gentleman, though nothing has been confirmed.

A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan had not commented on the timing of their return as of the Town & Country report.