Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are back in Britain with their two children, but their return does not necessarily signal the end of the life they built in the U.S.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking to establish a base in the UK while maintaining their California connections and keeping their businesses in America.
Prince Harry and Meghan’s plans have prompted royal commentators to question whether the couple is attempting to enjoy the advantages of being closer to the monarchy without surrendering the independence they gained after leaving royal duties.
5Harry and Meghan appear to be building a life that stretches across both the UK and America.
Although they have returned to Britain and are said to be searching for a home there, they are expected to retain their businesses in the United States.
Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield believes the arrangement could allow them to benefit from both worlds.
“I suspect they want the best of both worlds — access to Britain, proximity to the monarchy and the credibility that comes with Harry’s royal identity,” she said while also pointing to the “freedom and commercial opportunities” available to them outside the UK, per Fox News Digital.
Schofield compared the approach to the “half-in, half-out” arrangement the Sussexes once hoped to have. Queen Elizabeth II had decided they could not combine official royal responsibilities with the independent life they wanted to pursue.
The Sussexes’ UK Move Might Be A Temporary Return
5Despite returning with their children, it remains unclear whether Harry and Meghan intend to make Britain their permanent home. Their plans seemed questionable because there have been different accounts about the length and purpose of their stay.
Schofield was particularly doubtful about the couple’s intentions. “Harry and Meghan never do what they say or say what they mean,” she claimed.
The commentator pointed to Harry previously maintaining that Britain was not safe enough for his wife and children. This contrasted with recent claims that he could have a 15-year plan for life in the UK.
At the same time, other accounts have suggested their stay could be temporary. For that reason, Schofield described the move as “a trial run rather than a definitive homecoming,” suggesting the Sussexes may first be testing how life in Britain works for their family before making a lasting commitment.
Prince Harry And Meghan Feel Their American Life Was A Success
5Harry and Meghan do not appear to view their decision to spend more time in Britain as an admission that their American life failed.
Since leaving royal duties and moving to California, the couple has been engaged in different money-making ventures. They had a Netflix docuseries, and Harry also released his memoir, “Spare.”
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams also mentioned that the Sussexes have positioned themselves beyond the confines of a single country.
“They reportedly see themselves as ‘international citizens,’” he said, adding that the couple “claim that their balance of business activities and trips abroad over the last six years is a success.”
Looking at their approach, it could mean that they want to maintain multiple bases rather than choosing between Britain and America altogether. Schofield summed up that strategy by saying, “Rather than planting one flag, the Sussexes appear to be keeping several doors open.”
Life In Britain Means Different Things For The Duke And Duchess
5Although Harry and Meghan have returned to Britain together, royal experts believe the country may hold very different significance for each of them. For Harry, the move offers an opportunity to reconnect with parts of his life that became more distant after his departure six years ago.
“Harry has much more at stake emotionally,” Schofield said. She also explained that “Returning gives him an opportunity to reconnect with his country, his family, old friends and a version of his identity that he walked away from six years ago.”
Meghan, on the other hand, has previously spoken about how life wasn’t particularly exciting and thrilling as a member of the monarchy. Schofield therefore questioned whether life in Britain would mean the same for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
“Harry may see Britain as coming home. Meghan may see Britain as somewhere useful to spend part of the year,” Schofield explained. “Those are two very different emotional investments.”
Prince Harry Misses The Life He Had In The UK
5Despite building a new life in California, Harry is said to remain deeply attached to what he left behind in Britain. Dan Wakeford, founder of Celebrity Intelligence, claimed the Duke of Sussex misses his family, friends and the role he once had in the UK.
“Harry particularly doesn’t love the life he has in America,” Wakeford told Fox News Digital. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams similarly suggested that Harry has struggled to find a clear purpose outside royal life, despite his continued involvement with the Invictus Games.
Harry has also acknowledged his nostalgia himself, admitting in a previous interview, “I miss parts of the U.K., of course I do.”
His continued attachment to Britain could help explain why establishing a stronger presence there remains important to him.
