Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have returned to the United Kingdom for an extended period, entering through Birmingham Airport this week with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The children have enrolled in schools in the UK. It is their first long-term stay in Britain since they stepped back from working royal duties and moved to California in 2020, although they are not resuming official royal roles.

Former Guardian royal correspondent Stephen Bates said the couple face challenges stemming from their distance from the royal family, tensions with British media and questions among the public. He advised them to hire experienced advisers, rebuild trust with the royal family, particularly Prince William and Catherine, and take part consistently in charitable and public activities.

Bates also urged a more open and pragmatic approach toward British media and warned against presenting themselves as continually wronged. Questions have also arisen over security costs because they are no longer working royals, with arrangements reportedly decided according to circumstances. They plan to retain their Montecito home, live in a non-royal residence outside the UK, and allow Meghan to continue business activities while travelling to the United States when needed.