Since the Sussexes flew home they have been involved in a public spat with Buckingham Palace about their status and their children have moved schools.
The Duke of Sussex has broken his silence since returning to the UK to describe the short period back home as “eventful”.
Harry spoke during his first public appearance after arriving from the US with his family and declared: “It’s wonderful to be back on British soil.”
Since the Sussexes flew home on August 26 they have been involved in a public spat with Buckingham Palace about their status and their children have moved schools after issues were raised by their security team about the school run.
Harry’s comments were made at an event for the Invictus Games, a Paralympic-style tournament for wounded and injured service personnel and veterans he first staged in 2014 and which is due to be hosted by Birmingham next year.
He told Hello! magazine during the inaugural Invictus Spirit Awards, staged on Thursday night: “The last two weeks have been… it’s been eventful.
“But, you know, we’re getting stuck into the work. Kids are in school. We’re happy. And as I said, it’s great to be back on British soil, and looking forward to Birmingham next year for the Invictus Games that’s coming up.”
The duke said during the event at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, south-east London: “It’s great. It’s wonderful to be back on British soil and really nice to see so many old faces and friends that came to this, and new faces as well, and new donors. And most of all, I guess, my Invictus family.
“It’s been a very special journey over the last 12 years. So, yeah, all families.”
The Sussexes stepped down as working royals in 2020 for personal and financial reasons but rumours remain rife as to why they unexpectedly relocated to the UK from California, where they had created a life away from the institution of the monarchy.
Speculation ranges from the couple wanting their children to develop a closer relationship with their grandfather the King, Meghan seeking a return to acting and the Sussexes wanting to increase their profile.
In the run-up to their return Charles was said to be glad to be able to spend more time with the Sussex family, but remained adamant they would not be working royals, and there was no half-in, half-out option.
Within two weeks of arriving there was reported pushback from the Sussexes after a letter, authorised by the King, was circulated by the Lord Chamberlain to senior stakeholders in the Government and military reiterating the couple were “private citizens” and setting out guidance on how they should be treated.
Harry and Meghan were said to be “surprised” by the formal letter and the couple, who are waiting to hear whether they will be given taxpayer-funded security, were reported to prefer the term “public figures” instead.
School has been an issue for the Sussexes, with their children Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, moved to a new undisclosed institution after reportedly just two days in class.
The decision came after heavy traffic and the lengthy journey to the school reportedly put the Sussexes’ security team under strain.
The Invictus awards evening recognised those who have beaten the odds, supported others in their recovery, advanced sport and rehabilitation, or made an outstanding contribution to the wider Invictus community.
There were a host of famous faces at the black-tie event, including comedian James Corden, who opened the evening, chart-topping singer Jess Glynne, who gave a headline performance, and actor Ross Kemp.
In a speech Harry told the military veterans among the guests: “You may no longer wear the uniform, but you still lead.
“Every time you get back up, reach back for someone else, or turn what happened to you into purpose for others, you are serving again – just differently.”
He went on to say: “At a time when societies around the world are being tested, the Invictus spirit has something to teach all of us.
“This community doesn’t just demonstrate resilience. It helps build it.”
Harry’s first public engagement since moving back to the UK came as the serialisation of a book about his mother Diana, Princess of Wales written by his uncle Earl Spencer continued to make serious allegations against the King.
