Harry and Meghan Land Back in Britain Without the Police Protection the Prince Spent Years Fighting To Get

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have quietly returned to Britain with their two children for what is expected to be an extended stay, arriving at Birmingham airport on Wednesday without the close police protection the duke has spent years battling to restore.

Harry, Meghan, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, flew in from California on a private flight, touching down in Birmingham shortly before midday. There did not appear to be a police presence as the family left the airport, according to an eyewitness, with the couple instead met by a van and two blacked-out cars staffed by their own security team.

A spokesman for the Sussexes declined to comment on the travel arrangements, saying only that 'this is not something we would comment on.'

Cotswolds Base Chosen Over Royal Residence

The family are widely thought to be settling in the Cotswolds, an area where they previously rented a property before their move to Canada and then California, choosing a private, non-royal residence outside London rather than a grace-and-favour home.

Archie and Lilibet have been enrolled at a British school and are due to start at the beginning of the September term. A source close to the Sussexes said that the family's stay would be 'for an extended period', adding that whether it is 'six months, a year, two years... who knows.'

The couple's dogs, Mia and Pula, have joined them in Britain.

Harry's Security Fight Reignites as Family Returns

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex lost their right to taxpayer-funded security in 2020 when they stepped down as working royals and moved to North America. Under current arrangements, Ravec, the committee that assesses protection for royalty and public figures, evaluates their security on a case-by-case basis when they notify of a visit.

Harry has appealed to Ravec, and in the High Court, after his security was downgraded, previously arguing it was 'too dangerous' to bring Meghan and the children back without full police cover. He lost a legal challenge over the level of security he is entitled to last year.

A Home Office spokesperson said protection decisions for Royal family members are made by Ravec and that the government's security system is 'rigorous and proportionate'.

A risk assessment for the Sussexes was carried out last month, but the outcome has not yet been shared with them, and it remains unclear what public provision, if any, is currently in place.

Back in Britain but Not as Working Royals

Palace sources have made clear that Harry and Meghan will live in Britain as non-working royals, with no public roles or official engagements on behalf of the Crown. The King and Prince of Wales are said to be united in upholding the terms set at the Sandringham summit in 2020, when the late Queen ruled the couple could not be 'half-in, half-out'.

The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex are understood to have remained out of personal contact, according to friends of both men, and nothing about the latest move suggests that rift has healed. Relations with the King appear warmer, with the King and Queen hosting Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet for tea at Highgrove in July.

King Charles was only informed of the relocation plans earlier this month, however, and the move itself was reportedly not discussed during that visit.

New UK Chapter for Work and Family Life

Since their departure from royal duties in early 2020, Meghan has previously returned to Britain with Harry only for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in 2022 and a private family holiday in July.

Harry is expected to undertake charity engagements during this new UK chapter, including attending the WellChild awards in early September, while Meghan plans to continue running her As Ever lifestyle business from Britain, travelling back to California when needed.