Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are 'happy to be back' in the UK after getting their children settled into their new life. Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, have started the new school year in Britain after the family moved back from the US roughly two weeks ago.
A source close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said that settling their children 'has been, and remains, their focus'. 'Everything else will fall into place when the time is right,' the source told People. 'There is a lot to do. They have just moved halfway across the world and it's been really busy getting the kids settled. Their focus has been on that, and will remain on that, for the time being. They are happy to be back.'
Royal Household letter clarifies status
The comments come following renewed tensions between Harry and Meghan and the Royal Family. Earlier this week, the couple were left 'surprised' by the Royal Household's letter clarifying their royal status. The Sussexes were reportedly given around an hour's notice before the release of a letter from the Lord Chamberlain setting out their status as private citizens.
Harry and Meghan are said to prefer being described as 'public figures' rather than 'private citizens'. The letter also reiterated that there had been no change to their existing position since they stepped down as working royals in 2020.
It read: 'Following the decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to relocate to the UK, we have received a number of requests for guidance. To help avoid doubt or confusion, The King has directed that the following information be shared. It is well known that in January 2020 the Duke and Duchess stepped down from undertaking representative duties on behalf of The Sovereign, and are no longer working Members of The Royal Family. This position, distinct from the State and Royal duties undertaken by the working Royal Family, and with the personal latitude it brings the couple in respect of financial independence and protection of their privacy as they would wish, will continue to be fully respected.'
Move back after six years
Harry and Meghan's move back to Britain comes after they stepped away from the working monarchy six years ago. Since then, they have built a life focused on their family, charitable work and commercial projects.
Meanwhile, Prince William and Kate carried out a visit to Liverpool this week, where the Prince of Wales launched a suicide prevention toolkit for the sports sector. Kate also made a surprise appearance at Everton Football Club alongside William to support the On Your Side campaign.
The Sussexes' return marks a significant shift for the family, who had been based in California since 2020. Their children's enrollment in a British school signals a long-term commitment to their new life in the UK, even as questions about their public role remain unresolved.
