LONDON —Megxit — the departure of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex from the U.K. five years ago — sparked criticism, fanfare, and many, many newspaper headlines. The pair will reportedly return to England at the end of the month, and live in a private residence outside London with their two young children, who will start school in September. The couple — whose decisions have often been the subject of political debate, and whose break with the Royal family sparked broader questions about the future of the British monarchy — cannot expect a quiet return.
POLITICO runs through the awkward questions their homecoming poses. Harry and Meghan have made clear they are not returning as official working Royals. They stepped back from those roles in January 2020, more than a year before they permanently moved to the U.S.
There was some debate over whether the pair could have a “half-in, half-out” approach to Royal engagements — taking up commercial opportunities at the same time as representing the family — but the late Queen Elizabeth II made it clear before her death that she did not support that approach. When they move back to the U.K., Meghan will continue running her lifestyle brand As Ever, according to the Telegraph, and Harry will likely continue his charity work. Harry previously cited a long-running row over his family’s security as one reason why he would not feel safe returning to the U.K.
When the Duke of Sussex stepped down from his duties as a working royal and moved overseas, his security was downgraded. He unsuccessfully challenged this decision in the courts on multiple occasions. The family has not been given taxpayer-funded security on previous visits, and U.K. officials will not comment on future security arrangements.
The current cost of providing security to the Royal family is not public for reasons of national security. A Home Office spokesperson said: “The UK Government’s protective security system is rigorous and proportionate. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he tried to convince Prince Harry not to leave, and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said in 2019 that the Duke of Sussex’s popularity had “fallen off a cliff” since meeting his wife.
U.K. politicians are yet to say exactly what they think of the Megxit reverse, but across the pond MAGA-aligned commentators are giving their two cents’ worth. U.K. politicians may not be able to resist giving their view on the Royal return — particularly if questions over taxpayer-funded security or public-facing roles bubble up again. The British prime minister will be speaking to reporters today as he marks his first month in office by visiting a waste site.
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