“It was a family decision”: Prince Harry, Meghan hit back on UK talks
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle hit back at UK return backlash: ‘It was a family decision’
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly pushed back against claims that their decision to spend more time in Britain was driven by pressure from either side, insisting that the move was ultimately a family decision focused on their children and their future.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have stunned royal watchers with plans to return to the UK with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who are expected to begin school in Britain in September.
The development marks a dramatic change for the couple, who left the UK and stepped back from royal duties six years ago before establishing a new life in California.
According to a source close to Harry, the decision was not simply Meghan giving in to her husband’s desire to return home.
“Step by step, they want to be in the U.K.,” the source told People, adding that the couple want to spend more time in Britain and give their children the opportunity to experience life there.
The insider reportedly stressed that Meghan feels fortunate that Archie and Lilibet can experience “both worlds”, allowing them to grow up with connections to both their American life and their father’s British roots.
That appears to be a crucial part of Harry’s motivation.
The Duke has reportedly never completely lost his connection to Britain despite building a new life thousands of miles away. According to the source, Harry has continued to miss his homeland and the feeling of belonging that came with it.
“Harry never really stopped missing home,” the insider said. “He’s missed that sense of connection and belonging. Britain is still home in many ways.”
Now, Harry reportedly wants his children to understand that part of their identity.
For Archie and Lilibet, the move could mean experiencing the country where their father was born, learning more about their family history and developing a relationship with Britain that has so far largely been shaped through stories and occasional visits.
But their return is unlikely to be completely straightforward.
Alisa Anderson, a former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, has warned that the Sussexes should not expect an immediate welcome from either the Royal Family or the British public.
“I don’t think they will be welcomed back with open arms,” she said.
Instead, she suggested Harry and Meghan would need to rebuild trust and affection after years of public disagreements and damaging headlines.
That could make their return one of the most closely watched royal developments in years.
Harry will also have an important reason to remain closely connected to Britain through his work with the Invictus Games, particularly as preparations continue for the Birmingham edition.
The Duke is expected to play an active role in the organisation as it prepares to welcome wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.
For Harry, therefore, the return could represent far more than simply moving his family closer to Britain.
It could be an attempt to reconnect with a country he has repeatedly described as home while giving his children something he believes they have missed.
But whether Britain is ready to welcome the Sussexes back remains a completely different question.
The family may have made its decision — now Harry and Meghan face the far harder challenge of making that decision work.
