Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are returning to Britain this month, six years after stepping down from royal duties and relocating to the United States. They will be moving with their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, who are expected to begin school in the UK in September. The couple will not reside in a royal residence.
The move comes after years of the couple criticizing the royal family and the British press. Despite their previous challenges, King Charles has reportedly welcomed their return. However, this return is not without complexities; the couple recently faced a High Court ruling requiring them to pay an initial £9.54 million (approximately $12 million) towards legal costs incurred by Associated Newspapers in a privacy lawsuit. This bill, while significant, is separate from their relocation.
Since moving to the U.S., their professional endeavors have had mixed success. Their $100 million deal with Netflix in 2020 yielded five shows, but streaming numbers were underwhelming, leading to a less lucrative arrangement. A $25 million Spotify podcast deal resulted in Meghan's "Archetypes" series. Harry's memoir, "Spare," however, was a major success, reportedly earning a $20 million advance and selling over six million copies worldwide, making it the fastest-selling non-fiction book in the UK since records began. Meghan's lifestyle brand, "As ever," launched in 2024, is also expected to continue.
Experts suggest the couple's brand has struggled to convert initial success into an enduring presence. A return to the UK might offer a "brand reset," but challenges remain, including their ongoing relationship with the Royal Family and the need to establish a clear, coherent portfolio of businesses and causes. Security costs are also a concern, as Harry lost the automatic right to state-funded protection after stepping back from official duties, with estimates for private security potentially reaching £5 million (approximately $6.3 million).
