Harry and Meghan return to UK with Archie and Lilibet ahead of school start
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have arrived in Britain with their children, Archie and Lilibet, who are enrolled to begin at UK schools next week.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have returned to Britain with their children, Archie and Lilibet, ahead of the start of the new school term. The family arrived by private jet, with the two children reportedly set to begin at UK schools next week.
The Sussexes landed in the UK on Wednesday, according to reports, with the family touching down at Birmingham Airport. The arrival marks a significant moment for the couple, who have largely been based in the United States since stepping back from senior royal duties in 2020. The decision to enrol Archie and Lilibet in British schools signals a renewed connection to the UK for the family.
The children's enrolment in UK schools is understood to be a key factor in the family's travel plans. Archie, who was born in May 2019, and Lilibet, born in June 2021, have spent most of their lives in California, where the couple settled after relocating to North America. The move to begin their education in Britain represents a notable shift in the family's arrangements and has drawn attention to the couple's evolving relationship with the UK.
The visit comes amid ongoing public interest in the Sussexes' activities and their standing within the royal family. While the couple have maintained a public profile through various commercial and charitable ventures, their return to Britain with their children has been widely noted. The exact duration of their stay has not been confirmed, and details of which schools the children will attend have not been publicly disclosed.
The arrival also follows a period of relative distance between the Sussexes and other members of the royal family. Since their departure from royal duties, Harry and Meghan have been involved in a series of media projects and public statements that have at times created tension with the institution. Their return with the children, however, has been framed in reports primarily as a family matter centred on the children's education.
Birmingham Airport, where the family reportedly landed, is a major regional hub in the West Midlands. The choice of arrival point has not been explained, though it may reflect practical considerations regarding their travel route or destination within the UK. No official confirmation of the family's itinerary has been issued by the couple's representatives.
The children's school enrolment is expected to bring the Sussexes back to Britain on a more regular basis. For Archie and Lilibet, the start of the school year will introduce them to a new educational environment, marking a departure from their upbringing in Montecito, California. The couple have previously spoken about their desire to give their children a grounded upbringing, and the decision to educate them in the UK adds a new dimension to those plans.
The family's arrival has generated considerable media attention, reflecting the continued public fascination with the Sussexes. As the children prepare to start school, the coming weeks are likely to offer further insight into how the family balances their transatlantic lives.
