The Duke of Sussex is said to remain deeply resentful towards members of the Royal Family despite returning to Britain with the Duchess of Sussex and their children.
Friends who have spoken to Prince Harry since his arrival reportedly expected signs that he had softened his position after six years in the United States. Instead, they claim he remains frustrated with royal aides and continues to believe that an apology is owed to Meghan.
One source said those who met the Duke were surprised that his views appeared little changed since the couple stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
“They were agog to hear he still feels angry with members of the Royal Family, is still frustrated by the ‘men in grey suits’ who surround his father, and still expects an apology,” the source said.
The account suggests that Harry’s return should not be interpreted as a reconciliation with the institution or a reversal of the decision known as Megxit. The Sussexes are expected to live at a private, non-royal property outside London and have no plans to resume official royal duties.
The couple arrived in Britain last Wednesday after announcing earlier this month that they intended to spend an extended period in the country. Their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, have been enrolled at British schools and are due to begin the autumn term in September.
Their precise home has not been publicly identified. The family retains its property in California, while Meghan is expected to continue running her lifestyle business from Britain.
The move follows a meeting between Harry, Meghan and King Charles at Highgrove last month. It was reportedly the first time the children had seen their grandfather in person since 2022. However, the King was said to have learned of the couple’s plans to relocate only shortly before the announcement.
Relations between Harry and his father appear to have improved to some degree, but the Duke’s relationship with his elder brother, the Prince of Wales, remains severely strained. The brothers have not been seen together in public for several years and are widely understood to have little direct contact.
Harry said in a 2023 interview that what he wanted from the Royal Family was “some accountability” and “an apology to my wife”. His criticism of Palace officials has continued alongside his public disputes with the British media and his legal battles over privacy and security.
In May 2025, the Court of Appeal rejected his challenge against the Home Office over the arrangements for his police protection when visiting the UK. The court case concerned a decision taken after his change in status as a non-working member of the Royal Family.
Harry has argued that the loss of automatic protection made it unsafe for Meghan and their children to return to Britain. In an interview last year, he said he could not see a situation in which he would bring them back. Their decision to relocate therefore marks a significant change in practical terms, although there is no indication that the Duke has abandoned his long-standing complaints.
The return also comes shortly after Harry and six other claimants were ordered to make an initial payment of £9.5 million towards the legal costs of their failed privacy case against the publisher of the Daily Mail. The claimants had alleged unlawful information-gathering, allegations that were rejected by the High Court.
Harry’s representative declined to comment on the reports about his private views. Buckingham Palace has not indicated that the Sussexes’ move will lead to any change in their constitutional or working status.
