Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are understood to be moving back to the UK later this month in a shock development six years after they relocated to the US.
The couple are expected to make their home in a non-royal residence outside of London and have already enrolled Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in British schools.
King Charles, who is living with cancer, was first made aware of the move on Sunday, three days before the news was made public, but he is understood to welcome the opportunity to see more of the family.
It is understood there will be no change to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s role and status as private individuals and non-working members of the royal family, and they will not be offered a “half-in-half-out” option when it comes to these roles.
The Sussexes remain estranged from the Prince and Princess of Wales after Harry levelled a barrage of accusations against Prince William, Kate Middleton, the King and Queen Camilla in the years since the Megxit crisis of 2020.
Minister declines to say if Harry and Meghan’s security arrangements will be reviewed
The Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
A government minister has refused to say whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will have their taxpayer-funded security arrangements reviewed ahead of their planned move back to the UK.
Education secretary Lucy Powell said the decision would be made by the security services and police, and said she found out about the move from social media last night.
Prince Harry has been fighting for police protection for him and his family on visits to the UK for several years, but there has not been an announcement of any change.
Asked whether they could be reviewed, Ms Powell told the BBC: “I mean, those are totally matters for the security services and the police.
“You know, whether that's me as a high-profile sort of public character in in politics or anybody else, those assessments are made by the security services and the police based on need, and they're not they're not something that politicians should or do get involved with.”
She added: “I’m sure that we are all pleased to see them coming back and living here, and hope that the reconciliation with the family continues because I think that's good. Good for the country, isn't it, to send out that signal?”
Minister ‘pleased to see’ Harry and Meghan’s return to the UK
Political reporter Athena Stavrou reports:
A government minister has said she is “pleased to see” the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are planning to move back to the UK this month.
Education secretary Lucy Powell hailed their decision to return to the UK and enrol their children in school here as a “great endorsement of our education system”.
“I hope they are able to live the private life that they that they want to do,” she told the BBC. “I'm pleased to see that they are coming back to to this country and choosing to live here, and I think it's a it's a great endorsement, isn't it, of our education system.”
She added: “We have a great education system here, and it is one of the things that actually attracts people from around the world. Whether it's our universities, whether it's our school system, and clearly they want their children educated here, and that’s great for them.”
King was first made aware of family's return just days ago
The King, who is still living with cancer, was first made aware of the move on Sunday, only three days before it was made public, but is understood to welcome the opportunity to see more of the family both in a private and personal capacity.
The King last saw his son in July at Highgrove House in what was seen as a move to repair their relationship.
Where will Harry and Meghan live?
Harry and Meghan are expected to live in a non-royal residence outside of London as they return to the UK.
It remains unclear where they will live upon their arrival.
Harry says ‘world needs more heroes’ as he discusses veteran scheme
Ahead of his arrival back in the UK, the Duke of Sussex is set to launch a commercial scheme to help former military personnel.
Harry was speaking to veterans in Washington on Wednesday amid reports he and the Duchess of Sussex plan to move back to Britain with their children.
He told the former service members and defence officials the “world needs more heroes”.
Watch: Prince Harry and Meghan to move back to the UK
Prince of Wales likely left 'apoplectic' by news of brother's return
Former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt suggested the surprise announcement that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are to return home is likely to have left the Prince of Wales “apoplectic”.
Mr Hunt said: “In the long term, the return of the Sussexes to the UK opens up the prospect of two rival courts, William’s and Harry’s.
“In the short term, Harry will be able to deepen his rapprochement with his father.
“And his presence back home will make it harder for his brother to duck a reconciliation.
“The surprise return of Harry and Meghan is likely to have left William apoplectic.”
Home Office affirms government's 'protective security system' as Harry and Meghan set to return
Following the news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will move back to Britain later this month, a Home Office spokesperson said: “The UK government’s protective security system is rigorous and proportionate.
“It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals’ security.”
The home secretary does not get involved in security arrangements for members of the royal family or other key public figures, and decisions are taken by the executive committee for the protection of royalty and public figures (Ravec).
The committee’s membership includes the home office, Metropolitan Police and royal household, who work together to advise the independent chair in making decisions, which are informed by expert risk assessments and in line with government policy.
Harry and Meghan to retain homes in California and Portugal
The Sussexes are expected to retain their homes in Montecito, California, and Portugal, while the duchess will continue to run her lifestyle brand As Ever from their new base outside of London.
The Sussexes return
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex plan to move back to Britain in a shock development more than six years after they relocated to the US, the Press Association understands.
The couple will return to the UK later this month – making their home in a non-royal residence outside of London – and have already enrolled Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in British schools.
It is understood there will be no change to Harry and Meghan’s role and status as private individuals and non-working members of the royal family.
