It’s been a month since Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their children have returned to the UK. They spent 6 years in California after stepping away from royal duties in 2020.
While the Duke of Sussex appears happy to be back, it is Markle’s happiness that really counts.
Meghan Markle’s ‘happiness’ will determine whether she and Prince Harry can stay ‘long-term’ in the UK, per expert
The Sussex’s return to the U.K. has been fraught with many challenges. From being denied tax payer funded security to receiving a directive from King Charles – the couple haven’t had it easy. As Mirror reports, King Charles’s letter to his younger son has clearly dictated what the couple’s royal status really is.
It was made clear that the Sussex’s return to the UK does not equate them to being working royals. Instead they have been described as private citizens with interests in philanthropy. Additionally, Prince William and Kate Middleton have still not met the Sussexes. However, the ice broke a little between the families since they reunited with King Charles.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jeannie Bond told Mirror, “Harry‘s own take on his first few weeks is that they have been ‘eventful’. And they certainly have. We know that they were ‘a little surprised’ by the directive sent out from the Palace about their status as private citizens. I think for ‘surprised’, we could read ‘angry’.”
She also said that their plan for an extended stay really depends on Markle. “I suppose the question about whether it can work in the long-term depends on how happy Meghan will be here,” Jennie explained. “But they seem to have worked out a plan to be an international family, sharing their time between the UK, Montecito and occasionally Portugal.”
Bond also stated that the children’s school schedule is also a primary decision driver for the couple. According to her, they “will want to give Archie and Lilibet as settled a school life as possible.”
While Prince Harry has enthusiastically poured himself to charities close to his heart, Markle has been keeping a low profile since their return.
