By Peter Omopo
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have returned to the United Kingdom with their two children, Archie and Lilibet, days after reports emerged that the family planned to relocate to the country.
The family is understood to have travelled privately from California and arrived in Birmingham shortly before midday, according to BBC News.
A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan declined to comment on the reported arrival, saying the couple would not discuss the matter publicly.
The family was reportedly not accompanied by a visible police presence as they left the airport.
The return comes about six years after Harry and Meghan stepped down as working members of the British royal family in early 2020 and subsequently settled in California.
Reports last week indicated that the Sussexes planned to move back to the UK in August, although they would not resume official royal duties and would instead live in Britain as non-working royals.
The family is expected to establish its base at a private property in the Cotswolds, outside London.
Archie and Lilibet have reportedly been enrolled in a school in the UK, with the new academic term expected to begin next week.
While the Sussexes have not publicly confirmed their arrival, their representatives indicated that the couple would be bringing their dogs, Mia and Pula, from California. Their rescued chickens, which have featured prominently on Meghan’s social media accounts and in her Netflix programme, are expected to remain in the United States.
Harry and Meghan’s return has also renewed questions over their security arrangements while in the UK.
Prince Harry has previously raised concerns about the safety of his family during visits to Britain. Last year, he lost a legal challenge against a decision to downgrade the level of publicly funded security provided to him after he ceased being a working royal and moved to the United States.
It remains unclear what security arrangements will be made for the family following their return and who will bear the cost.
Following reports of their planned relocation, a Home Office spokesperson said security decisions concerning members of the Royal Family are made by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, known as Ravec.
The government also described its protective security arrangements as “rigorous and proportionate.”
King Charles III was reportedly informed of the Sussexes’ plans earlier this month. Harry, Meghan and their children visited the King at his Highgrove residence in July, although the relocation was reportedly not discussed during the visit.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have also been informed of the family’s plans.
The Sussexes had not visited the UK together since attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, before their reported return this week.
Harry’s concerns over security have previously been cited as a reason for limiting his visits to Britain and for not bringing his wife and children with him.
The family’s return marks a significant development in the Sussexes’ relationship with the UK royal establishment, although their reported move is not expected to signal a return to official royal duties.
