The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reportedly landed in the UK after it was announced they were moving their family from California back to Britain.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their two children landed at Birmingham airport on Wednesday lunchtime after flying into the country privately from California, The Telegraph has reported.
The BBC said the couple opted for a private over a commercial flight.
It comes a week after it was announced Harry and Meghan would return to the UK, where they are to live in a non-royal residence outside of London, having already enrolled Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in British schools. The new term is expected to start next week.
The Sussexes are said to be settling in the UK for an “extended period” of time, and it’s believed the family will live in a private property in the Cotswolds area.
The Independent has contacted a representative of the Sussexes for comment.
Harry and Meghan, who are non-working royals, quit the monarchy six years ago, moving to the US, from where they criticised both members of the royal family and the institution.
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Key Points
- Harry and Meghan land in Birmingham - report
- The Sussexes are flying privately from California - report
- Harry and Meghan have not commented on reasons for return
- Home Office offers no information on Harry and Meghan security arrangements
Prince Harry is home
16:45 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex have returned to the UK with their children to begin a new life after six years living in the US, according to reports.
Harry, Meghan, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet flew into the country on a private plane from California shortly before midday on Wednesday, landing at Birmingham Airport.
The family were said to have travelled on a Bombardier Global Express XRS luxury long-range business jet.
A spokesman for the duke and duchess declined to comment on their travel movements, citing the importance of privacy and security.
“This is not something we would comment on,” the spokesman said.
The BBC reported the couple had opted for a private over a commercial flight for their journey, while the Telegraph featured a picture of the Sussexes’ plane at the West Midlands airport.
King and Queen’s autumn tour destination revealed
15:50 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe King and Queen are to carry out an overseas tour to Antigua and Barbuda in the autumn, with Charles also undertaking a solo trip the Bahamas and a solo state visit to Guyana.
Charles, who is still being treated for cancer, will embark on the nine-day official trip from October 27 until November 4.
He will travel first to the Bahamas, where he is also head of state, without Camilla, and then on to Guyana for a state visit to mark 60 years of bilateral relations between the UK and the South American country.
Charles and Camilla’s trip to Antigua and Barbuda will coincide with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 which is being hosted in the Caribbean nation from November 1 to 4.
News of the King and Queen’s overseas duties were announced shortly after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned to the UK to set up home.
Where will the Sussexes live?
15:14 , Maryam Zakir-HussainIt remains unclear where Harry and Meghan will set up their lives in the UK, but it is understood they will live in a non-royal residence outside of London.
Many expect the couple to live in the Cotswolds area.
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Mapped: Harry and Meghan's journey into the UK
13:03 , Bryony GoochReturn comes six years after controversial move to US
12:56 , Bryony GoochHarry and Meghan Markle’s return to the UK comes six years after they announced their controversial departure to live in the US.
The Sussexes announced in January 2020 that they wanted to step down as senior royals for a dual life, earning their own money in the US and supporting the monarch.
Queen Elizabeth II held a Sandringham summit to solve “Megxit” and the outcome was that the Sussexes’ semi-royal role was deemed untenable – they were either in or out.
The couple headed to California and quit as senior working royals completely in March 2020, just as the Covid pandemic took hold.
Recap watch: Harry and Meghan's UK security funding a private matter, says Andy Burnham
12:52 , Bryony GoochHome Office offers no information on Harry and Meghan security arrangements
12:48 , Bryony GoochThe Home Office has refused to offer information on the security arrangements as Harry and Meghan are believed to have arrived in the UK.
A spokesperson has said: “The UK Government’s protective security system is rigorous and proportionate.
“It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals’ security.”
Archie and Lilibet to start school next week
12:44 , Bryony GoochThe family has arrived in the UK ahead of the school term which is set to begin next week.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are understood to have enrolled their children, Archie and Lilibet, in British schools.
Report: Harry and Meghan have landed - in Birmingham
12:43 , Bryony GoochThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reportedly landed in the UK, ready to begin an “extended stay” with their children, The Telegraph has reported.
The Sussexes landed at Birmingham Airport on Wednesday lunchtime.
Where could Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet go to school in the UK?
12:41 , Bryony GoochPrince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children are set to attend British schools in September following the shock announcement that they will be returning from California this month.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are understood to have already enrolled their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, in school.
Education secretary Lucy Powell described it as a “great endorsement” of the UK’s education system, but said it was unlikely they would be attending a local state school.
Read more here:
Where could Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet go to school in the UK?
The Sussexes have not commented on reasons for return to the UK
12:39 , Bryony GoochHarry and Meghan have not commented on their reasons for relocating to the UK, though a source close to the duchess did not deny reporting that she has been offered an acting role in an upcoming project in the country.
Their move comes after the duke and duchess took their children to see their grandfather the King for the first time in four years at his Highgrove home in July.
The Independent has contacted a rep for the Sussexes for comment
Family expected to live in the Cotswolds
12:38 , Bryony GoochIt remains unclear where Harry and Meghan will set up their lives in the UK, but it is understood they will live in a non-royal residence outside of London.
Many expect the couple to live in the Cotswolds area.
The Sussexes are flying privately from California - report
12:36 , Bryony GoochThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly on a flight from California to the UK with their two children, Archie and Lilibet.
The BBC reported that the couple were returning to the UK a week prior to the start of the school term as it’s understood the two children are enrolled in the British education system.
