Prince Harry and Meghan are said to be happy to be back in the UK, despite a fresh dispute over their status as non-working royals and Uganda’s decision to withdraw from next year’s Invictus Games.
People close to the Sussexes said their immediate priority was helping Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, settle into the new school year. The couple have returned to Britain for an extended stay after relocating to California more than six years ago.
“Getting their children settled as they begin a new school year has been, and remains, their focus,” insiders said.
The family is understood to be living at a private, non-royal residence outside London, while retaining their home in Montecito and a property in Portugal. Meghan is also expected to continue overseeing her business interests from the UK, while Harry carries on working with charities and the Invictus Games.
Their return has coincided with Buckingham Palace issuing guidance confirming that Harry and Meghan will remain non-working members of the Royal Family. A letter sent by the Lord Chamberlain to senior government and military officials said they would not resume royal duties or use their HRH styles, and that any charitable work would be undertaken in a private capacity.
The announcement prompted a reaction from Uganda’s chief of defence forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who said the country would withdraw from the Invictus Games because it did not want its participation to be interpreted as opposition to King Charles.
Harry’s office has linked Uganda’s decision to the Palace letter, although the Ugandan government has not confirmed that was the reason. Buckingham Palace has said the guidance was issued to remove uncertainty about the couple’s position following their return.
There is no suggestion that the King opposes the Invictus Games, which Harry founded for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans. Charles attended the inaugural event in London in 2014 and is understood to support organisations assisting wounded service personnel.
