Prince Harry and Meghan land in UK days after announcing move

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have returned to the UK with their two children, Archie and Lilibet, just days after announcing plans to relocate to Britain.

Prince Harry, Meghan and their children are understood to have travelled privately from California, arriving in Birmingham shortly before midday on Wednesday.

A spokesperson for the couple declined to comment on their arrival.

The family is expected to establish their new home in the Cotswolds, outside London, after the couple announced last week that they planned to move back to the UK in August.

Harry and Meghan will not return to official royal duties. Instead, they are expected to live in Britain as non-working members of the Royal Family.

Archie and Lilibet have reportedly been enrolled at a school, with the new term due to begin next week.

Sussexes begin new chapter in the UK

Harry and Meghan stepped back from their roles as working royals in early 2020 before moving to California in March that year.

The couple have continued to undertake charitable and media projects from the United States, while making occasional visits to Britain separately.

King Charles was informed of their plans earlier this month. Harry and Meghan visited the King at his Highgrove home in July, although it is understood that their future move was not discussed during that meeting.

The Sussexes had not previously visited the UK together since attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have also been informed about the couple's plans.

Security remains a major issue

The question of security is expected to remain an important issue during Harry and Meghan's return.

Prince Harry has previously said concerns about safety have affected his willingness to bring his wife and children to the UK.

Last year, he lost a legal challenge against the decision to reduce the level of publicly funded security available to him after he stopped being a working royal and moved overseas.

It remains unclear what security arrangements will be provided for the family during their new life in Britain, or who will meet the cost.

The Home Office has previously said decisions about royal security are made by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, known as Ravec, with the UK's protective security system described as rigorous and proportionate.

The family's return marks a significant new chapter for the Sussexes, who left Britain more than six years ago. Their decision to establish a permanent base in the UK is likely to keep their relationship with the Royal Family and questions over their security firmly in the public spotlight.