Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their two children, Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, landed at Birmingham Airport on August 26, 2026, returning to the UK after six years abroad [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]. They traveled by private jet, a Bombardier Global Express XRS from Van Nuys Airport, at an estimated cost of $120,000 [4, 5].
The family plans to remain in the UK for a prolonged period, living in a private non-royal residence either in the Cotswolds or near London [1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10]. The exact duration is unclear; an anonymous source told The Telegraph that the stay could last from six months to two years or more [7].
Harry and Meghan will not resume official royal duties and will continue as non-working members of the royal family [1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 10]. They intend to keep their properties in Montecito, California, and Portugal while living primarily in the UK [1, 3, 6, 9, 11, 10].
Archie and Lilibet have been enrolled in British schools and are expected to start classes in early September 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 10]. The Sussexes also brought their two dogs, Mia and Pula, to the UK; their chickens remain in California [4, 5, 9].
Prince Harry currently does not receive public police security and must arrange and pay for private protection himself [1, 4, 5, 9, 11, 10]. King Charles III was informed of their return a few days before the public announcement and reportedly welcomes spending more time with his grandchildren [1, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10].
Prince William and Kate Middleton have also been notified but are said to be concerned or surprised by the Sussexes’ plans for an extended stay [4, 6, 7, 9, 10]. Harry and Meghan's relationship with William remains strained, with no recent private contact between them [6, 9, 11, 10].
The move marks the first extended period the Sussexes will live in the UK since stepping down as working royals and relocating to California in March 2020 [1, 2, 4, 7, 8]. Harry, Meghan, and their children previously made a brief UK visit in July 2026, including a meeting with King Charles at Highgrove [1, 6, 7, 9].
Archie and Lilibet are set to begin their UK schooling in early September, marking the start of the family's life back in Britain [1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 10].
