Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Face Fresh Marriage Strain as UK Return Fails to Go to Plan, Insider Claims

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's return to Britain has prompted renewed questions about how the couple are adjusting to life across the Atlantic. While their extended UK stay has brought opportunities for family life and professional commitments, claims that Meghan is struggling with homesickness and that their relationship is under pressure remain unverified.

The Duchess of Sussex reportedly misses California, including her mother, friends and the beach, and would return there immediately if circumstances allowed. Neither Harry nor Meghan has publicly confirmed that their stay in Britain is causing difficulties in their marriage.

Why Meghan Markle Reportedly Wants to Return to California

According to Closer, Meghan agreed to the move partly to support Harry, but adjusting to a different environment has allegedly proved more challenging than anticipated.

'If she could go back tomorrow, she would, but that's not in the cards,' an unnamed source told the publication.

The source claimed that Meghan is homesick while prioritising her children's adjustment to school and continuing her professional commitments. Harry, meanwhile, is reportedly pursuing professional opportunities and cultivating contacts while supporting his wife's ambitions.

The couple are also said to be spending considerable time apart because of their differing schedules. According to the report, Harry's evening engagements conflict with Meghan's early mornings, when she helps prepare their children for school before starting work.

The source further alleged that the couple had expected to spend more time together in Britain but had instead found themselves occupied by professional obligations. However, the report provides no evidence that they are considering separation or that their marriage is in danger.

Harry and Meghan's Oxfordshire Pub Outing Draws Attention

Harry and Meghan were photographed together during a lunch outing at The Falkland Arms in Great Tew, Oxfordshire, on 1 October 2026. According to The Sun, the couple were seen holding hands outside the pub, looking at a menu board and entering the venue.

The appearance attracted attention as their first reported joint public outing in Britain since their return with their children on 26 August. Their relaxed appearance offered a glimpse of the couple spending time together away from formal engagements.

However, the photographs provide only a snapshot of their time together and cannot establish whether the couple are experiencing difficulties in their marriage.

Reported Apology to Prince William and Catherine Dismissed

Speculation about Harry's relationship with his brother, Prince William, and sister-in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales, has also continued. A separate report suggested that Harry and Meghan were considering apologising over remarks associated with their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey.

However, a source close to the Sussexes reportedly dismissed the claim as 'nonsense'. Neither couple has publicly confirmed plans for a specific apology or a meeting to resolve their differences.

Harry has previously expressed a desire to repair family relationships, but this does not establish that an apology is planned or that a meeting with the Prince and Princess of Wales is imminent.

Harry and Meghan's Reported Christmas Plans

The Sussexes are also reportedly considering spending Christmas with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, rather than joining the Royal Family at Sandringham. Reports have suggested that Ragland will feature in their festive arrangements, although the couple's final plans have not been publicly confirmed.

Their reported intentions offer a glimpse into how they may choose to spend the festive season, but they do not establish that Meghan is unhappy in Britain or that the couple's relationship is under strain.