In a major U-turn, Harry and Meghan are set to return from the US later this month to live in a non-royal residence outside of London.
A third of the British public are against the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s return to the UK, with the majority of people uncertain about the shock move as the nation takes in the bombshell news.
A new YouGov poll, carried out the day after Harry and Meghan’s surprise U-turn, showed 33% believe the King’s youngest son and the former Suits star should not come back, while 45% do not know.
Fewer than a quarter (21%) were in favour of the Sussexes relocating from the US.
The Sussexes decamped to California more than six years ago amid the turbulent Megxit crisis, which was followed by ongoing family fallouts and a barrage of accusations fired at the Prince and Princess of Wales and the King and Queen Camilla.
But now, Harry and Meghan are set to return later this month to live in a non-royal residence outside of London, having already enrolled Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in British schools.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham would not be drawn on Harry and Meghan’s security arrangements in the UK, saying the funding for it was a “private matter” and “we wish them well in the moves that they’re making”.
Questions remain unanswered as to whether taxpayers will foot the bill for their security, and the exact reason for their decision, with the Sussexes yet to comment publicly.
The couple’s plans came as a surprise to many on Wednesday night, with even the King only finding out about it just three days before it was made public.
The YouGov poll found the older generation was more likely to say they should not move back – with 47% of those over 65 thinking the couple should not return, compared with 24% of those aged 18-24.
Rumours have abounded as to where Harry and Meghan will choose to settle, with suggestions including rural locations in the Cotswolds in Oxfordshire or Gloucestershire, amid speculation over which schools they have chosen for their children.
Harry has faced a protracted legal battle with the Home Office over the security arrangements for him and his family while in the UK, after his level of protection changed when he stepped down as a working royal in 2020.
At the end of June, he was still waiting for a review by the Risk Management Board, part of the process by which the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) rules on his security requirements – and he and his security detail were working to try to ensure his July visit could take place safely.
Individual decisions on protective security for key public figures – including members of the royal family – are made by Ravec, which includes the Home Office, Metropolitan Police and Royal Household, who advise an independent chairperson.
PR and crisis expert Mark Borkowski warned the Sussexes’ return could backfire.
“If we’re going to see the typical Harry and Meghan three-ring circus, then we know what happens when that is played out,” Mr Borkowski told the Press Association
“That leads to massive disruption, and ultimately if they’re going to use the same tools in the same way – they’ve got to come up with a different play and a different script – that’s just repeating the sins of the past.”
He added: “The royal family will push against this big time. They will not want them back in the camp.
“They’ve got to do this by themselves. I don’t believe this is reconciliation with the royal household at all.”
The King is said to be glad to be able to spend more time with the Sussex family, but remains adamant they will not be working royals, and there is no half-in, half-out option.
Speaking about the unexpected development, first reported by The Sun and Daily Telegraph, former royal correspondent Jennie Bond told Sky News: “I think we should beware a pile-on on Meghan in particular, and I can see that already happening.
“This is the decision they’ve made probably for the sake of their children, as much as for Harry.
“Perhaps Meghan is taking one for the team here, because I’m not sure this is her life’s desire to live back in the UK.”
Archie and Lili are expected to start at their new schools in early September.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have not reacted publicly to the news, but former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt suggested William would be “apoplectic”.
William – the future king – is estranged from his brother following Harry’s controversial claims about the royal family in the wake of Megxit.
Harry claimed in his controversial memoir, Spare, that William had physically attacked him in a row over Meghan, and that his brother and Kate encouraged him to wear a Nazi uniform to a fancy dress party in 2005 and “howled” with laughter when they saw it.
The Sussexes also told Oprah Winfrey an unnamed royal made a racist remark about their son’s skin tone before he was born.
Mr Hunt said: “In the long term, the return of the Sussexes to the UK opens up the prospect of two rival courts, William’s and Harry’s.
“The surprise return of Harry and Meghan is likely to have left William apoplectic.”
The Sussexes are keeping their homes in Montecito, California; and Portugal, while the duchess will continue to run her lifestyle brand, As Ever, from their new base.
Ms Bond said retaining their other properties appeared to suggest the Sussexes were “testing the water” with the move.
– The YouGov poll surveyed 5,810 GB adults on August 20.
