Prince Harry and Meghan have returned to Britain with their two children, marking a major change for a family that left the country six years ago after stepping away from their roles as working royals.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in the United Kingdom on Wednesday with Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, after traveling from California on a private plane, according to multiple media reports.

Their return comes after years of strained relations with the royal family and amid continuing questions over where the Sussexes will live, how their security will be handled and what their renewed presence in Britain could mean for their relationship with the monarchy.

The Sussexes bring their dogs — but leave their chickens behind

A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan declined to reveal where the family will stay, citing privacy and security concerns.

The spokesperson did confirm one unusual detail: the Sussexes brought their dogs with them to Britain.

Their chickens, however, will remain behind at the family’s home in Montecito, California, where Harry and Meghan have lived since 2020.

A source close to the couple previously told NBC News that their return would last for an “extended period” of time, suggesting this is more than a short visit.

Reports in the British media have also indicated that Archie and Lilibet have been enrolled in schools in the U.K., although the family has not publicly disclosed further details about their arrangements.

A very different return from their last time in Britain

Harry and Meghan’s return marks a striking reversal from the path they took in 2020.

Six years ago, the couple stepped down as working members of the royal family before eventually establishing a new life in California. They settled in the affluent coastal community of Santa Barbara, where they have remained based ever since.

Their final official royal appearance in London came in March 2020, during the Commonwealth Day service.

Since then, their relationship with the royal family has remained deeply strained.

The couple made a series of allegations about their experiences within the monarchy, including claims involving racism and bullying. Their Netflix documentary, Harry & Meghan, and Harry’s memoir, Spare, brought many of those grievances into the public spotlight.

For years, there had been few indications that the Sussexes were preparing for a sustained return to Britain.

That changed dramatically last week when reports emerged that the family was planning to spend an extended period in the U.K.

They remain nonworking members of the royal family

Despite their return, Harry and Meghan are not resuming their former royal duties.

A source familiar with their plans said they will remain private individuals and nonworking members of the royal family.

That distinction is important because their move does not represent a return to the working monarchy.

Instead, it appears to be a personal relocation while maintaining their status as members of the wider royal family.

The question of how that arrangement will work in practice is likely to attract considerable attention, particularly if the couple begins making public appearances in Britain.

Security remains a major question

Security is another unresolved issue surrounding the family’s return.

Harry has been involved in a prolonged legal dispute with the British government over the level of security protection available to him and his family after he stopped being a full-time working royal.

That history means their return to Britain comes with questions about what security arrangements will now be in place.

When asked about the matter last week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said it was a private issue for Harry and Meghan and that the government wished them well with their move.

For now, the Sussexes have not publicly provided details about their security arrangements.

Meghan’s future in entertainment sparks speculation

The couple’s planned return has also generated speculation about Meghan’s professional future.

British media coverage has included unconfirmed reports that Meghan could return to acting, potentially marking her first major return to the profession since she left Suits ahead of her 2018 wedding to Harry.

However, those reports remain unconfirmed.

Her return to Britain therefore raises questions not only about the family’s personal life but also about whether the couple intends to establish a more substantial presence in the country.

Harry’s legal battles with the British press continue

Harry’s return also comes at a significant moment in his long-running disputes with the British media.

He and several other claimants were recently ordered to pay a combined £34.5 million, or approximately $46 million, to a major newspaper publisher after losing a High Court case involving alleged privacy breaches.

The case represents one of several legal battles Harry has pursued against sections of the British press.

His complicated relationship with the British media has been a recurring feature of his life since leaving royal duties, making his decision to spend an extended period in the U.K. particularly notable.

A new chapter for the Sussex family

Harry and Meghan’s return does not mean a restoration of their former royal roles.

Instead, the family is coming back to Britain as private individuals after six years of building a life in California.

Yet the significance of the move goes beyond a change of location.

For the first time since their departure, Harry, Meghan and their children are preparing to spend an extended period in the country at the center of their royal story.

With their living arrangements still private, security questions unresolved and speculation continuing over Meghan’s career, many details of their new life in Britain remain unclear.

What is certain is that the Sussexes’ relationship with the U.K. has entered a new phase — one that could have major implications for both their family and their connection to the royal family.

Source: Compiled from various sources