Prince Harry and his family have returned to Britain, arriving from California on a charter jet as they prepare to begin a new phase of life in the English countryside.
Harry and his wife, Meghan, landed in Birmingham at about noon on Wednesday (9pm AEST), ending six years in the United States just days before their two children are expected to begin school.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to make their home in the Cotswolds, the picturesque rural area in south-west England, where they are expected to live in a private residence rather than on a royal estate.
Their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, are due to start school next week at the beginning of the school year.
Although their arrival had been widely anticipated after reports last week that they intended to move back to the UK, the family’s appearance in Birmingham has prompted renewed attention on their plans and what the move could mean for the wider royal family.
According to flight data, the family is believed to have flown to the UK on a Bombardier Global Express (GLEX) long-range business jet in a journey lasting about 10 hours. Records indicate the aircraft departed from Van Nuys, California, east of the family’s Montecito home near Santa Barbara.
The BBC reported that there was no police presence when the family left Birmingham International airport, and said there was no statement from the prince regarding the journey. A spokesman for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex told the BBC: “This is not something we would comment on.”
No statement was issued by Buckingham Palace when news of the move emerged last week, but royal sources confirmed the relocation and cautioned that it would not signal Harry’s return to royal duties.
That means the couple will continue living privately and cannot be “half in and half out” of the traditional responsibilities associated with the royal family.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex still hold their titles, but stepped away from royal duties six years ago to live in California. Their candid comments about royal life in a Netflix series and in a television interview with Oprah Winfrey have helped fuel an ongoing rift within the royal family.
