{
  "id": 2122328,
  "title": "Reverse Megxit: 5 awkward questions as Harry and Meghan plot British return",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/reverse-megxit-5-awkward-questions-as-harry-and-meghan-plot-british",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-20T11:02:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Politico EU",
    "slug": "politico-eu",
    "url": "https://www.politico.eu/article/reverse-megxit-5-awkward-questions-as-harry-and-meghan-plot-british-return/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Five key questions loom over Harry and Meghan's potential return to the UK, five years after their dramatic exit known as \"Megxit.\" The couple is reportedly planning to move to a private residence in England by the end of the month, with their children starting school in September. As they prepare to navigate this potential homecoming, several awkward inquiries emerge.\n\nFirstly, will the Sussexes once again adopt royal duties? Despite stepping back from their official roles in 2020, the couple has been vocal about their reluctance to return to such engagements. The late Queen Elizabeth II herself had explicitly discouraged a \"half-in, half-out\" approach, which would have allowed them to pursue commercial opportunities while still representing the royal family. Upon their return, it is unlikely that Harry will be engaged in charitable work as he currently does, and Meghan will likely continue her lifestyle brand As Ever.\n\nSecondly, will U.K. taxpayers be responsible for providing security for the royal couple? Harry had previously expressed concerns about the cost and feasibility of royal security, citing past disputes over the matter. Since stepping down from his royal duties, his security arrangements have been downgraded, and he has unsuccessfully contested this decision in court. The UK government maintains strict confidentiality regarding security arrangements, citing national security concerns. However, the lack of information on future security plans for the Sussexes adds to the uncertainty surrounding their return.\n\nThirdly, will the public backlash against the couple's departure quieten down upon their return? Harry and Meghan faced significant criticism from UK politicians when they left the UK for the US. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson had attempted to dissuade Prince Harry from leaving, while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage had called him \"popularity had fallen off a cliff\" after their marriage. As for their critics in the United States, some have speculated that the couple's move is tied to their dissatisfaction with President Trump. Regardless of the reasons behind their decision, the UK media and politicians may feel compelled to express their opinions regarding the Sussexes' potential return, particularly if questions about taxpayer-funded security or public-facing roles arise again.\n\nFourthly, will the British prime minister, currently Prime Minister Andy Burnham, welcome the Sussexes back home? Burnham, who has a longstanding relationship with King Charles III, is likely to meet with the royal couple as part of his initial engagements upon assuming office. Burnham has been described as a \"royalist\" by political colleague Steve Rotherham, suggesting a likely warm reception for the couple. However, there is no guarantee that political support will translate into a seamless reintegration for Harry and Meghan, as their relationship with the British media remains a contentious issue.\n\nLastly, how will the media landscape shape Harry and Meghan's return? Harry's long-standing grievances with the UK press played a significant role in their decision to leave for the US, where they secured lucrative media deals. Upon their return, they will be dealing with the fallout from a recent legal loss in a privacy case brought by the Daily Mail against them. After an 11-week trial, the Sussexes lost the case, incurring substantial legal fees. As they navigate their potential return, the media will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping their narrative and public perception.",
  "summary": "From security arrangements to their relationship with the British media, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's U.K. homecoming poses a number of unanswered questions.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}