Harry and Meghan Return to UK After Six Years

​LONDON — Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have officially returned to the United Kingdom, arriving in Birmingham via a private charter flight after a six-year absence following their departure from senior royal duties.

​The Duke and Duchess of Sussex touched down with their children, Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, marking a permanent or extended chapter back on British soil. Sources close to the family indicate the move stems from a desire to be closer to King Charles and allow the children to build stronger relationships with their extended family following years of distance.

​The family made the journey aboard a Bombardier Global Express XRS chartered from California, landing midday without any publicly funded police protection. Unlike their previous royal status, the Sussexes have settled into a private, non-royal residence and will maintain complete financial independence through their ongoing business ventures.

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​While their dogs, Mia and Pula, accompanied them across the Atlantic, their Montecito-based chickens were left behind in California. The duration of their stay remains open-ended, with sources suggesting an extended period ranging from several months to a couple of years.

​King Charles, who met with the couple last month, was reportedly informed of the relocation plans only days before the public announcement. The return closes the book on their initial American relocation phase while opening a new dynamic for the British monarchy.