How King Charles reacted to Harry and Meghan’s decision to return to the UK

King Charles was reportedly blindsided by the decision of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, to move back to the UK. The King had no idea about the Sussexes’ plan and was informed of the same only on Sunday, according to a tabloid report.

The monarch is, however, said to be looking forward to his son’s return. But despite their return, the King had made it clear that there would be no change to their role and status, and the couple would continue to be private individuals and non-working members of the Royal Family, according to the Daily Mail.

Harry and Meghan have had a strained relationship with King and Queen Camilla since last July, when the family and their children - Archie and Lillibet - met the King for the first time since they left the UK in early 2020.

The July meeting was described by the Palace as a "private family occasion".

Harry is also said to have expressed interest in returning to the UK, The Sunday Times quoted unnamed sources. “He wants more of a foothold here, more trips back, less courtroom drama. And he always loves seeing his family,” the source said.

Earlier, there were reports that Harry hoped his father would be with him for the next year’s Invictus Games.

Royals return

While the couple are yet to announce the reason for their return, several factors are being cited, the most prominent being their kids’ schooling.

While Prince Archie, seven, is at prep school age, Princess Lilibet, five, is eligible for Year One and both have been enrolled in British schools for the upcoming academic year, according to reports.

According to royal expert Robert Hardman, the children being enrolled in school is significant and signals that they are going to be raised as "British rather than American". “Surprise is an understatement," he told the BBC's Radio 4 Today programme of the move, adding that the Sussexes "have always been very good at delivering surprises".