By SHANNON MCGUIGAN, NEWS REPORTER and REBECCA ENGLISH, ROYAL EDITOR
Published: 23:28 BST, 19 August 2026 | Updated: 07:33 BST, 20 August 2026
King Charles has seemingly been blindsided by the announcement that Prince Harry and Meghan are returning to the UK.
The monarch is said to have only been informed on Sunday about the Sussexes' return to British soil this month.
Harry, 41, and Meghan, 45, are understood to be returning for an 'extended period' later this month, with Archie and Lilibet set to enrol at a British school.
The family will move into a non-royal residence and will not be working royals.
It is understood that the monarch 'welcomes' the chance to see his youngest son and his family in a personal capacity.
However, the King is clear that there will be 'no alteration' to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's role and status, as sources stressed there is 'no half in, half out option'.
Harry and Meghan will remain private individuals and non-working members of the Royal Family in keeping with their 'clearly expressed wishes and agreement over past years'.
Despite clarity over their status, no questions have been addressed on whether the duo will return to the royal fold on a full-time basis should they be willing to give up their commercial endeavours.
King Charles has seemingly been blindsided by the announcement that Prince Harry and Meghan are returning to the UK
King Charles III meets members of the public after carrying out an inspection of the Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion on August 16, 2026
Meanwhile, sources have insisted it is not within the couple's 'plan' to return to the royal fold.
The recent announcement comes just a month after the Duke saw his father in July following his High Court loss against Associated Newspapers.
He is understood to have visited his father at his Highgrove House residence in Gloucestershire, following an Invictus one-year-to-go event in nearby Birmingham.
