When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle return to Britain this August, they will be stepping back into a country that has watched their journey from a distance for the past six years — and where public opinion toward the couple has been largely negative. The pair are expected to settle in the United Kingdom, away from any official royal role, while maintaining their financial independence. The primary reason for the move is said to be the education of their two children — Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5 — who are set to begin attending school in Britain from September.
According to information that has emerged, the family will not be moving into a royal residence but into a private home located outside London. While some view the Sussex family’s relocation as a positive opportunity for reconciliation with the Royal Family, others remain deeply critical, insisting the couple should not expect a warm welcome.
Royal commentator Afua Hagan told Reuters that — while the couple is essentially walking back into the “lion’s den” — they will be far better prepared this time to handle tabloid attacks. “They won’t be drawing their swords at every negative story. They know what they need to do, what they’ll face, and they’ll be better prepared,” she said. Meanwhile, royal expert Mark Borkowski told the Daily Mail that the Sussexes would need to “admit they were wrong when they left in 2020 and bow their heads” if they want their return to the United Kingdom to be a success.
Reports from British and international media, gathered on the streets of London following the bombshell announcement of Harry and Meghan’s return, reveal a clear polarization of public opinion. Many Britons are expressing frustration, saying Harry “abandoned his country” in 2020 and is now returning because their business ventures in America have failed. Several members of the public also pointed out that the couple will remain a “divisive” presence and should not expect a “hero’s welcome” from the British people.
Meghan and Harry: The change at Madame Tussauds
Amid the widespread surprise sparked by the news of the Sussexes’ return, the world-famous Madame Tussauds wax museum in London unveiled two new wax figures of Harry and Meghan — posed with suitcases in hand.
“Did someone say they’re coming back? To mark the surprise return of Prince Harry and Meghan to the United Kingdom, we gave the Duke and Duchess of Sussex a very British welcome at Madame Tussauds London,” the museum wrote in its caption.
“Bags packed and ready, they’ve taken their place among some of Britain’s greatest attractions — and even stopped for a photo with a King’s Guard!” the caption continued. “Come and see them for yourselves, before the Sussexes arrive on British shores later this month,” the post concluded.
