Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Reported UK Return Deemed as ‘Failure’

Word of the move began circulating just months after the couple marked their sixth year since stepping away from royal life, with sources suggesting the transition could happen before the month is out.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are back in the headlines following reports that the couple plans to return to the UK in the coming weeks, more than six years after they stepped down from royal duties in 2020 and relocated to the United States.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex pose for a photo during a Scar Tree Walk on April 16, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. | Source: Getty Images

The pair are said to be relocating with their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, both of whom have reportedly enrolled in new schools in Britain. The move is expected to take place later this month, and King Charles is said to have already been informed.

In the wake of the news, royal watchers have begun weighing in on what led to the decision. Although there are currently no plans for the couple to resume royal duties, commentator Kinsey Schofield described the relocation as an "admission of failure."

She argued the decision proves the couple still "need the monarchy." "A return to Britain is an admission of failure, whether Harry and Meghan are intellectually honest enough to admit it or not," she said. "They left Britain telling the world they needed freedom to thrive."

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive at the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum (Anvam) in Southbank on April 14, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. | Source: Getty Images

When the couple stepped back from royal duties, they quickly relocated abroad in pursuit of financial independence, agreeing to give up use of their HRH titles. Schofield went on to suggest the couple shouldn't anticipate a warm welcome upon their return.

"You cannot spend years insulting the establishment and then expect everyone to roll out the red carpet when California doesn't work out," she said.

"I didn't think these two had the audacity to actually do it," she continued, adding that the couple has grown "deeply unpopular" in Britain while Harry continues to "pick fights" with the government and the British justice system.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive to meet volunteer first responders from Bondi Surf Bathers' Life Saving Club, during a visit to Bondi Beach, on day four of the royal trip to Australia on April 17, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. | Source: Getty Images

One detail stands out to Schofield in particular: King Charles reportedly only found out about the move on Sunday.

"If this were the product of some great royal reconciliation, you would expect the King to have been part of the conversation, not simply informed once the decision had been made," she said.

Still, it's worth noting that King Charles was reportedly pleased at the prospect of seeing more of his family on a regular basis, both personally and privately.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex talks with King Charles at the Westminster Abbey Commonwealth Day service on March 11, 2019 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Even so, while Schofield acknowledged that "Harry has clearly made progress with his father," she warned against equating that relationship with Harry's ongoing rift with his older brother, Prince William.

"As far as William is concerned, I've seen absolutely nothing that suggests the fundamental trust issues between the brothers have been resolved," Schofield said. "Prince William stayed behind and carried the responsibility Harry abandoned."

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex during the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey on September 19, 2022 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Schofield further argued it is "unfair" to William that his younger brother "was allowed to blow up his life, attack his family, monetize private grievances and spend six years experimenting with independence, only to crawl home when it didn't work."

Over those six years, the couple pursued entertainment deals, launched new projects, and built an independent life away from the monarchy — yet their reported return, Schofield suggests, indicates that independence didn't pan out as hoped.

"They had America, Hollywood, enormous contracts, global name recognition and every conceivable advantage," she said. "And six years later, they're coming back. That is failure."