Royal family news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Prince Harry and Meghan returned to Britain in August 2026, six years after stepping back.
Their status is still disputed, so how far they are welcomed back remains unresolved.
Background
Harry and Meghan stepped back as senior working royals in 2020 and moved to North America. Their August 2026 return to the UK, with children Archie and Lilibet, is the first extended stay since then, and it has reopened questions about their place in the family. A letter authorized by King Charles reaffirmed they remain non-working members whose charity work is private, and the couple's team pushed back on the wording. A years-long rift with Prince William also persists.
How it unfolded
- 2020Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back as senior working royals and moved to the US.
- Sep 2022Queen Elizabeth II's funeral was the last time Prince Harry and Prince William were at the same event together.
- May 2025Prince Harry lost a legal challenge over security protection for his family in the UK.
- Aug 2026Harry and Meghan returned to Britain with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, six years after stepping back as senior working royals.
- Sep 2026King Charles authorized a letter reaffirming that Harry and Meghan remain non-working members of the royal family and that their charitable work is carried out in a private capacity; their team pushed back on wording describing them as "private citizens" rather than "public figures."
- Sep 21, 2026Prince Harry met with young honorees ahead of the WellChild Awards in London.
- Sep 26, 2026In an interview with CTV, Harry said "The kids are happy in school" and "It's been great to be back on British soil."
- Sep 29, 2026Page Six published a report on Prince William being tangled in another royal family feud after Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, reopened deep emotional wounds in his new book.
Who’s saying what
- Commentator
- Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield said that with Prince William there is an additional sense of betrayal because this is coming from his own uncle.
- Biographer
- Royal biographer Russell Myers said people very close to William and Kate describe a totally different vision for the monarchy — one that is accountable and speaks to the younger generation at home and abroad.
- Palace
- A letter penned by royal aide Lord Benyon said the King directed that information be shared to avoid doubt or confusion, and that Harry and Meghan are no longer working members of the royal family.
- Harry
- Prince Harry said it has been great to be back on British soil, that the kids are happy in school, and that it gives him a chance to focus on the Invictus Games in Birmingham in July next year.
Still unverified
It is thought the family are basing themselves at a private property outside of London in the Cotswolds area. The couple were reportedly surprised by a letter authorized by the King reiterating that they are private citizens and setting out guidance to senior government and military figures. The Prince and Princess of Wales reportedly have a "totally different vision" for the future of the monarchy. The Sussexes' private security team had raised concerns about the distance and heavy traffic on the route to the school.