Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are heading back to Britain with their children, but their return could create a problem far bigger than finding a home. Behind the scenes, the Sussexes’ growing closeness to King Charles III is raising questions about what happens to his relationship with Prince William.
The Sussexes’ reported return marks a striking change from Meghan’s previous concerns about raising her children in the UK. In a 2022 interview with The Cut, Meghan described the intense media attention that could surround ordinary family life if Prince Archie attended school in Britain.
Harry and Meghan appeared together in Melbourne in April 2026, months before reports that they could return to Britain. A move would put the Sussex family closer to King Charles III after years of living outside the UK. | Source: Getty Images
Meghan Once Said Life in Britain Would Be Difficult for Archie
She said she would not be able to handle everyday school drop-offs and pickups without a royal photo call and a press pen of about 40 photographers.
“Sorry, I have a problem with that. That doesn’t make me obsessed with privacy. That makes me a strong and good parent protecting my child,” she said. Now, Harry and Meghan are preparing to bring Archie and Princess Lilibet back to the country for an extended period, with the children expected to attend school there.
The move therefore comes with a very different calculation for the family — and one that places them much closer to the royal family they left behind.
Meghan has previously explained why raising Prince Archie in Britain concerned her. In 2022, she said routine school pickups could become royal photo calls involving dozens of photographers. | Source: Getty Images
Charles Was Reportedly Welcoming to the Idea
On August 19, 2026, CNN reported that King Charles had learned of the relocation plans only the preceding Sunday. The plans were reportedly not discussed during Harry and Meghan’s July family visit to Britain. Even so, Charles was said to welcome the prospect of seeing more of his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren.
The King reportedly welcomes the opportunity to see more of the Sussex family “in a private and personal capacity.” That distinction is important because the reported move does not mean Harry and Meghan are returning as working royals.
Instead, the family is expected to establish a private home in Britain while maintaining their lives outside the institution. The reported move also comes only weeks after Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet reunited with Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove on July 10 — their first meeting as a family in four years.
But even before the Sussexes had packed their bags, there were reportedly concerns about what their return could mean for the monarchy.
King Charles III was photographed at the RHS Sandringham Flower Show in July 2026. The following month, CNN reported that he welcomed the prospect of spending more time with the Sussex family privately. | Source: Getty Images
Royal Circles Were Already Worried About Their Return
A Daily Mail report highlighted unease in royal circles over the Sussexes living closer to working members of the Royal Family. The concern was that almost everything Harry and Meghan do could be examined for signs of a possible return to public life.
Sources reportedly insisted that the couple would not undertake royal duties, with the King said to be “absolutely adamant” about that point. Charles’ primary concern, according to a friend quoted in the report, was protecting what is right for the monarchy and, above all, his relationship with William.
The Waleses are working royals and future monarchs, while Harry and Meghan are not. Because of that, William’s feelings were reportedly expected to be respected. Another concern was that greater proximity to the monarchy could become a “backdoor entry to public life” or help strengthen the Sussexes’ commercial credentials.
Although the Sussex family met with the King and Queen, rumors of tension and the whereabouts of Prince Harry’s brother created a massive buzz. At this event, he attended the Invictus 1 Year To Go event at the National Exhibition Centre on July 10, 2026, in Birmingham, England. | Source: Getty Images
And William’s position appeared particularly clear. The Daily Mail report said he currently has “no desire whatsoever” to reconcile with Harry, while he was holidaying with his family and the King at Balmoral.
That tension sets the stage for the question now hanging over Charles’ decision to welcome Harry back into his orbit.
Harry’s Return Could Put Charles in an Awkward Position
Page Six has now taken that concern a step further, reporting that Harry’s return could drive a wedge between Charles and William. Royal reporter Tom Sykes told Page Six that the move will create “huge challenges for William” as he works out how to respond to Harry and Meghan’s return.
“William is gonna have to figure out how he is going to respond to this,” Sykes said, arguing that it won’t be “sustainable” for William to continue refusing to see or speak to his younger brother.
King Charles III, Queen Camilla and Prince William appear together in June 2026, as royal sources reportedly expressed concern that a Sussex return to Britain could create renewed scrutiny around the monarchy. | Source: Getty Images