Huge questions loom over Prince Harry’s shock return to UK

Dozens of questions arose on Thursday as Prince Harry prepares to return to the UK with his wife and children, six years after his departure triggered a bitter rift with the royal family. In a surprise move, Harry and Meghan plan to relocate from the US by the end of the month to a private residence outside London, according to The Daily Telegraph.

The couple's two children, Archie and Lilibet, have already enrolled in a British school for the start of the school year in early September. However, numerous questions remain regarding the reasons behind this move and the future of their royal titles.

Some analysts suggest that the US-based life of Harry and Meghan has not met their expectations, with Meghan's cookery series not succeeding on Netflix, and the loss of their Spotify deal. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams believes this move could be an opportunity for the couple to start afresh before Prince William ascends to the throne.

Another commentator, Ed Owens, noted that Harry, being King Charles III's younger son, is keen on reconciling with his father and the wider family. Harry and Meghan met the king in July, during their first visit to the UK in four years, with their children present.

As for their new home, Harry and Meghan are reportedly considering a residence in the UK's Cotswolds area, where Harry spent his childhood at his father's private Highgrove House. They may also retain their homes in California and Portugal. The couple's commercial ventures will continue to be restricted, as the late Queen Elizabeth II stated that there is no "half-in/half-out" option for pursuing business while remaining working royals.

Harry is still a patron of several UK charities and remains involved with the Invictus Games, which will take place in Birmingham next year.

The couple has faced public skepticism, with only 22% of Britons expressing a positive opinion of Meghan and 33% of Harry according to a YouGov poll. Relations between Harry and his brother, Prince William, have been strained since the release of Harry's memoir, "Spare," in January 2023. While Prince William is reportedly adamantly opposed to the idea of his brother returning to the UK, Ed Owens believes that William may eventually forgive Harry due to their shared relationship with their father, King Charles III.