Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have officially returned to Britain, landing at Birmingham Airport on a private jet with their two children, Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, six years after stepping back from royal duties and relocating to the United States. The family flew in privately from California, touching down around midday, with royal expert Chris Ship confirming the arrival on social media, calling it the start of a "new chapter" for the Sussexes in the UK.
The couple's return comes just days before Archie and Lilibet are set to begin the new school term in Britain, marking the main reason behind the family's decision to relocate for an "extended period." A spokesperson previously confirmed the couple would spend the autumn in the UK so their children could "spend more time in the country that's such an important part of their family's story."
The family will not resume official royal duties, instead settling into a private, non-royal residence believed to be in the Cotswolds.
However, one significant issue remains unresolved: their security arrangements. Harry and Meghan reportedly received no police protection upon their arrival, reigniting a long-running dispute. Harry had previously lost a legal battle attempting to reverse the downgrading of his official security detail after he stepped back from royal duties, and it remains unclear exactly how the family's safety will be managed during their time in the UK.
As the Sussexes settle into their new chapter, questions over their protection are expected to remain a central point of tension in the weeks ahead.