London – The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced their return to the UK after six years living in the United States. The move comes amid uncertainty over the health of King Charles III, who continues treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, and raises questions about the family's security arrangements.
According to a YouGov poll released following the announcement, 21% of those surveyed believe the dukes should return to the UK, compared to 33% who think they should not. An earlier survey by the same firm showed Harry has a negative image rating of 58%, while disapproval of Meghan reached 65%.
The dukes will relocate their residence from Montecito, California, to a house on the outskirts of London. The announcement was surprising to the British public, who remain wary of Harry and Meghan following years of legal disputes with the Government and the press, as well as allegations against the royal family. The King was only informed of the plans on 16 August.
The dukes will return without official royal duties and will not represent the King at public events. They will continue to finance their lives as private citizens, without receiving resources from the British Treasury or the Crown. The main reason given is the enrolment of their children, seven-year-old Archie and five-year-old Lili, in British schools, as well as strengthening family ties with the King and the sons of Prince William.
Harry has been engaged in a legal battle with the Home Office for years to obtain armed police protection in the UK. British courts ruled that it is not unlawful for the Government to deny taxpayer-funded security to Harry and his family, although he has offered to pay for it himself. A committee assessed his threat status nine months ago but has not changed its position.
Harry has insisted that they face multiple threats, including from the Taliban following his disclosure in his autobiography that he killed 25 Taliban fighters during his military service in Afghanistan between 2012 and 2013. He also mentioned the constant harassment by tabloids, particularly towards Meghan. Dal Babu, the former Metropolitan Police Commissioner, told Sky News that round-the-clock official protection could cost millions of pounds.
In July, after four years without visiting British territory, Meghan and her two children made a private visit to the King and Camilla, as well as the family of Princess Diana. Press reports indicate that during that visit it was suggested that the children have greater contact with their British family, which would have been decisive in Harry and Meghan's decision to return.
Although the King has welcomed the prospect of having more contact with his son and grandchildren, British media report that there is no sign of a reconciliation with Prince William, Harry's older brother and heir to the throne. William is said to have expressed pain over Harry's allegations of racial bias towards Meghan, his revelations about private family matters and other conflicts.
