Harry and Meghan Return to UK Amid Family Reconciliation Hopes

August 26 marked the Sussexes’ arrival in Birmingham with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, following six years in California. Their UK stay is expected to be extended, though they will retain homes in Montecito and Portugal. A source told PEOPLE the move presents Harry “the best opportunity” to repair ties with his older brother — yet Prince William and Kate Middleton are consciously withholding any “knee-jerk reaction.”

What sources say about the brothers’ relationship

“They are watching this space,” one insider explained to PEOPLE. “It’s private — they don’t feel the need to say anything or demonstrate anything outwardly.” While a reunion has not been ruled out, the source emphasized such reconciliation would be a “slow build,” adding: “There is a deep sense of betrayal.”

Harry and Meghan plan to reside in a private, non-royal home, reportedly located in the Cotswolds. Their children have enrolled in a British school and will begin classes this month.

King Charles was “made aware” of the couple’s plans on August 16 and reportedly welcomed the prospect of meeting his son and grandchildren in a private setting. Discrepancies remain among reports regarding how much prior knowledge Prince William and Kate Middleton had about the relocation.

No reunion with the royal family has occurred to date. In a 2025 BBC interview, the Duke of Sussex stated: “I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore.”