Since relocating to the UK with Prince Harry and their two children, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has not made any public appearances. The family’s return has drawn attention, particularly following Prince Harry’s attendance at the Invictus Spirit Gala Dinner & Awards held in London on September 17. This event marked the Duke’s first public outing since their recent move, but he was accompanied by Meghan.
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At the gala, which celebrated individuals from the wounded, injured, and sick personnel and veteran community, Harry stepped into the spotlight. An insider indicated that Meghan chose to stay behind to help acclimatise their children—seven-year-old Prince Archie and five-year-old Princess Lilibet—to their new surroundings.
Focus on family has dominated the early phases of the Sussexes’ UK return, with the couple prioritising their children’s adjustment to their new life. A source close to the family remarked, “Settling the children has been, and remains, their focus. Everything else will fall into place when the time is right.” These sentiments echo the sentiment expressed by Meghan, who has yet to join Prince Harry at any public events since their relocation.
The transition has proven to be particularly busy, with the family having moved halfway across the globe. Shortly after the children began attending school in the UK, their schooling arrangements changed. The Duke and Duchess opted to move Archie and Lili to a different school due to heightened security concerns.
A representative for the couple clarified that the decision to change educational institutions was made after discussions with their security team regarding practical arrangements. “The parents remain extremely grateful to all the teachers and staff for the love, care, and effort they have shown their family,” the spokesperson stated, further emphasising that the move should not be perceived as a reflection on the previous school.
Reports suggest that the security concerns stemmed from heavy traffic in the area and the distance between the school and their home. These worries intensified after an incident made it challenging for their vehicles to maintain a secure convoy during the school run. While their security team had evaluated the school over the summer, the actual dynamics of the school run could only be assessed once classes commenced.
In addition to the relocation, it has been revealed that a security assessment for the couple will be conducted imminently by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC). This independent committee advises on who qualifies for taxpayer-funded police protection. Since stepping down from their royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan lost their entitlement to automatic police security in the UK. However, their recent move has triggered a new evaluation, marking the first such assessment for Meghan in six years.
During the weekend, Prince Harry and Meghan shared glimpses of their family life in the UK through an Instagram video. The short clips featured the family engaging in outdoor activities such as exploring woods, fishing in a pond, and splashing in puddles. The video showcased a joyful scene of Archie running along a path while Lilibet rode her bike, bringing a touch of normalcy to their lives amid significant changes.
Despite the challenges posed by their relocation and the associated security considerations, the couple appears committed to establishing a stable home for their children in the UK. As they settle into their new lives, Meghan remains focused on ensuring that Archie and Lilibet are well-adjusted and happy in their familiar surroundings.
As Prince Harry embarks on his new role within the British public sphere, it remains to be seen when Meghan will re-emerge for public engagements. Until then, the couple is concentrated on their family, navigating their lives post-royalty while embracing this new chapter in their lives.