Prince Harry’s cousin, Lady Eliza Spencer, is thrilled about his and Meghan Markle’s return to the U.K.
“Absolutely, it’s exciting! We would love to be able to find some time to visit,” the British socialite, 34, told The Mirror at the launch of her rosé brand Lala V at Hackstons in Knightsbridge, London, on Wednesday, August 26.
Earlier on Wednesday, the BBC reported that Harry, 41, and Meghan, 45, had arrived back in the U.K. with their two children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5.
According to The Telegraph, the Sussexes landed at Birmingham Airport around lunchtime. (Us reached out to reps for the couple for comment.)
News broke last week that Harry and Meghan were planning to move back to the U.K. for an extended period of time, with their kids set to begin school abroad in September. The relocation comes six years after the couple stepped down from their senior royal roles and moved to Montecito, California.
Harry and Meghan are expected to keep their home in Montecito during their stay in the U.K., as well as a vacation residence in Portugal.
Us understands Harry’s father, King Charles III, learned of the pair’s move on August 16. The monarch, who has been estranged from his youngest son for years, is said to welcome the opportunity to see Harry and his family in a private and personal capacity. Charles, 77, has confirmed that Meghan and Harry will remain non-working members of the royal family, maintaining the couple’s wishes and agreements over past years.
According to People, Meghan is expected to continue leading her lifestyle brand, As Ever, from their U.K. home. Harry, meanwhile, is slated to spend time supporting U.K.-based charities and patronages.
A source exclusively told Us on August 20 that Harry, who married Meghan in 2018, was “not as happy” living in the U.S. after their royal exits.
“They aim to be somewhere outside of London, not in, like, the city proper,” the source shared. “They are open to a new chapter.”
The insider continued, “Harry still operates as if he were a member of the royal family when he evaluates opportunities. He’s seen royals who have left the royal family, like Sarah Ferguson, whose path he does not want to emulate. He wants to do things that are a right fit for him, but that can be very limiting. And, of course, they need to find ways to make money, so they are eager to find partnerships that are the right fit and fruitful for them.”
As for whether the move can bridge the gap between Harry and his estranged brother, Prince William, former royal butler Grant Harrold exclusively told Us, “I doubt Harry’s move back to the U.K. is going to completely heal things between William and Harry. It will take a lot more than that. Too much happened. It will be a situation where actions mean more than words.”
Harrold added, “I think they will be poker-faced and play happy families, but behind the scenes it will take a lot more.”
