In a surprising move, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, are returning to the United Kingdom for an extended period with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Recent reports have confirmed their arrival on 26 August, following a private flight from California to Birmingham. Their two dogs, Pula and Mia, will also join their family in this transatlantic journey.
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Pula, a black Labrador retriever, has been a part of Harry and Meghan’s household since shortly after their wedding in 2018. The name ‘Pula’ is derived from Setswana, meaning “rain,” which holds significance in Botswana, where rainfall is rare and considered a valuable blessing. After stepping back from their royal duties, the couple relocated to California, and Pula made the journey across the Atlantic with them.
The family has also welcomed a beagle named Mia, who was adopted in 2022. Mia was rescued from a breeding facility in Virginia, and her adoption was pursued through the Beagle Freedom Project. Volunteers have recounted Meghan’s deep commitment to animal welfare, noting how she insisted on adopting an adult dog instead of a puppy. Meghan’s decision reflects her long-standing dedication to animal rescue, a passion that sparked during her earlier years with her pets, including her first dog, Bogart.
Meghan’s talent with Instagram has allowed her to showcase both Pula and Mia, as they frequently make appearances on her social media accounts alongside their lifestyle brand, Archwell. Most recently, both dogs featured in a light-hearted video celebrating Meghan’s 45th birthday, in which they amusingly rejected party hats intended for them. However, the couple’s menagerie of pets will not be moving entirely to the United Kingdom.
While Pula and Mia are making the journey to join their family, some animals will stay behind at the couple’s California residence. Reports indicate that their chickens will be cared for at the Montecito home. The Sussexes famously rescued ten hens from a commercial farm and received another as a gift from their neighbour, Ellen DeGeneres. Their affinity for animal rescue has been well documented, including a memorable moment during their interview with Oprah Winfrey, where Meghan expressed her passion for helping animals in need.
Recent glimpses into Meghan’s life have shown her sharing gifts for those responsible for the chickens. A recent video on her Instagram story featured a towel emblazoned with the phrase: “People who take care of chickens are literally chicken tenders,” underlining her sense of humour and connection to her caring community.
As Harry and Meghan settle into life back in Britain, they will still maintain their primary residence in Montecito, California, along with a holiday home in Portugal, allowing for continued ties to their American lifestyle. However, this relocation does not mark a return to royal duties. It has been made clear that they will remain private individuals and non-working members of the royal family, adhering to the terms previously agreed upon with the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2020.
The couple’s transition back to the UK comes amid ongoing speculation about their roles within the royal family and their commitments to various charitable efforts. Their children, Archie and Lilibet, are expected to embrace their British heritage during this time, with many curious onlookers eager to see how the family adapts to their new chapter in the UK.
As the Duke and Duchess navigate their return to Britain, their pets serve as a reminder of their family values and commitment to animal welfare. Pula and Mia, now part of their UK adventure, undoubtedly add joy to their lives as they embark on this new stage in their ongoing story.