Why Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Were Ready for Move Back to U.K.

The surprise news broke in August that Harry and Meghan were relocating to England for an extended, if not permanent, stay—and that’s where they are now.

Archie and Lilibet are already on their second school, in fact, after the family’s security team questioned the “practicalities” of the first institution they were enrolled at two days into the term, according to the Sussexes’ spokesperson.

And a letter sent to media outlets Sept. 7 on behalf of the king clarifying that there had been no change to Harry and Meghan’s status since 2020—when they “stepped down from undertaking representative duties on behalf of The Sovereign”—suggests that there’s no reason for them to behave otherwise.

In a nutshell, the letter from Lord Chamberlain Richard Benyon (the most senior member of the British royal household staff) explained, “their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.”

While Harry’s relationship with Charles has thawed over the past year—and they have spoken since the move—a Sussex spokesperson told the BBC they were “a little surprised not to have been told” about the letter in advance.

So, there may still be some communication issues to work out between father and son.

That being said, you may have heard the crickets coming from Prince William and Kate Middleton‘s official corner, though the chatter about how the couple are reacting—or purposely not reacting—to Harry and Meghan’s return to town has been deafening. 

So, Harry and William’s estrangement remains intact for now, though geographical proximity could help in that department.

As for why Meghan was willing to entertain the move, there has been speculation that the Suits alum was planning to return to acting with a role in Guy Ritchie‘s Netflix series The Gentlemen. Star Theo James told Town & Country that he thought the casting rumor was “mainly hot air,” quipping that former Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson would be playing his love interest.