Six years after dramatically stepping back from royal duties, the Duchess of Sussex may be preparing to return to the UK. Reports suggest Meghan Markle could accompany her husband, Prince Harry, to Birmingham later this year for a project that is especially meaningful to him.
Long-Running Tensions with the Royal Family
For those needing a refresher, the Sussexes have reportedly been at odds with the royal institution since Harry and Meghan began their relationship in 2016—an arrangement Prince William is said to have viewed unfavourably. By their own account, both before and after their 2018 wedding, the couple experienced what they described as “bullying” from Harry’s brother and sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, among others. They have also alleged racial discrimination by senior royals concerning the skin tone of their son.
Alongside this, Harry and Meghan objected strongly to Meghan’s negative portrayal in sections of the British tabloid press. Harry has previously said he feared watching his wife “falling victim to the same powerful forces” that affected his mother, Princess Diana.
Why the Sussexes Stepped Back
Taken together, these experiences played a major role in the couple’s decision in 2020 to resign as senior royals and relocate to the United States. They settled in Montecito, California, where they later welcomed their daughter.
The last time the 43-year-old Meghan was in the UK was in 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. That October, she and Harry, now 41, travelled across the Atlantic to be with the late monarch during her final hours. Although they arrived too late to say goodbye, the couple stayed on to attend the Queen’s funeral at Westminster Abbey.
However, when King Charles III was crowned the following May, the former Suits actress did not attend, choosing instead to remain in the US with their two children, six-year-old Prince Archie and four-year-old Princess Lilibet.
Invictus Games Plans Bring New Possibility
This year, The Sunday Times reports that Meghan may be willing to set aside past grievances with the UK to support Harry, who is set to host a promotional event for the 2027 Invictus Games in his home country. The Birmingham events are scheduled to take place a year before the tournament and will feature appearances from sporting figures around the world. It remains unclear whether Archie and Lilibet will attend.
Security Concerns Remain a Major Obstacle
Despite the potential plans, one major issue could block the couple’s return: uncertainty over whether their right to armed police protection in the UK will be restored.
Harry lost a court challenge last May after appealing a decision by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee to remove taxpayer-funded security for himself and Meghan following their departure from royal duties. Under the current arrangement, the couple must notify Metropolitan Police officials at least 30 days in advance of any UK visit so that security measures can be considered.
Harry argued in court that this requirement would make it difficult for his wife and children to visit family in Britain, but the appeal was dismissed. The Prince later described the outcome as “devastating” and part of a “good old fashioned establishment stitch up,” placing blame on elements within the monarchy.
