Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have only just arrived back in Britain, but their possible move to the Cotswolds is already generating a mixed reaction among residents, with some locals voicing strong opposition to the prospect of having the Sussexes as neighbours.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex flew from California to the UK on a private aircraft shortly before midday on Wednesday, arriving at Birmingham Airport as they prepare to spend an extended period in Britain.

The couple are reportedly considering the Cotswolds as their main UK base, a picturesque region known for its villages, countryside and wealthy residents.

But according to comments gathered by the Express, not everyone living in the area is pleased by the prospect.

‘They should be banned’

During an appearance on Daily Expresso, host JJ Anisiobi claimed that some prospective neighbours were “furious” about the Sussexes potentially settling in the area.

Commentator Carole Malone also warned that locals could be concerned about the increased attention that would accompany Harry and Meghan.

She suggested that the couple’s presence could attract large numbers of visitors and unwanted publicity to an area valued for its quiet character.

“They bring unwanted attention to the area,” Malone said when discussing the couple’s previous home in Montecito.

Residents approached by the Express gave similarly blunt assessments.

Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior royals before moving to the US in 2020 (Image: Getty)

One elderly woman said: “They should be banned … They’re a disgrace. I think Meghan is awful. Dreadful woman.”

A shop worker in her 60s reportedly said Harry had “burned his bridges”, while another passerby accused the couple of returning to Britain in an effort to generate publicity.

Other residents claimed the Sussexes had “spoiled everything for themselves” and questioned how long they intended to remain in the UK.

The comments represent the views of individual residents rather than an indication of opinion across the entire Cotswolds community.

Concerns over tourists and unwanted attention

The Sussexes are expected to settle somewhere in the Cotswolds (Image: Getty)

Privacy appears to be one of the main concerns raised by some locals.

The Cotswolds attracts visitors because of its rural landscapes and picturesque villages, and residents interviewed by the newspaper expressed fears that Harry and Meghan’s high-profile presence could bring additional tourist traffic.

Some reportedly worry that photographers, fans and curious visitors could descend on the area, disrupting what they described as a peaceful way of life.

The concerns echo arguments that have previously surrounded the Sussexes’ move to Montecito, where their celebrity status has attracted international media interest.

However, claims about how Montecito residents feel about Harry and Meghan have also been disputed.

One commenter identifying themselves as a Montecito resident pushed back strongly against the suggestion that locals were celebrating the Sussexes’ departure.

They argued that the community is known for valuing privacy and said residents generally treated Harry and Meghan like other neighbours, including at schools, restaurants, local markets, parks and beaches.

The commenter described reports that Montecito residents were “hanging flags” over the couple’s departure as inaccurate and accused the reporting of being biased.

Sussex children preparing for British schools

Harry and Meghan’s return is closely connected to their plans for their two children.

Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, have reportedly been enrolled in British schools ahead of the new academic year, with the children expected to begin in September.

The decision has raised questions about how permanent the family’s return will be.

Conflicting reports have suggested that the Sussexes could spend only the autumn in Britain or potentially establish a longer-term home in the country while their children receive a British education.

One scenario being discussed would see the family remain in the UK for between 12 and 15 years, potentially allowing Archie and Lilibet to complete much of their education there.

At this stage, however, the precise length of their stay remains unclear.

Harry and Meghan remain non-working royals

Whatever their plans for living arrangements, the Sussexes are not returning as working members of the Royal Family.

Harry and Meghan stepped away from official royal duties in 2020 and subsequently moved to the United States.

Since leaving, they have spoken publicly about their experiences within the monarchy through several major projects.

Harry discussed his relationship with members of the Royal Family in his memoir Spare, while both he and Meghan gave an interview to Oprah Winfrey.

Their Netflix series also documented aspects of their lives and departure from royal duties. In footage featured in the series, Harry described his 2020 relocation to California as a “freedom flight”.

Despite their return to Britain, there has been no announcement that either will resume official royal duties.

Questions remain over security

The Sussexes’ return has also raised questions over how their security arrangements will be handled while they are in Britain.

Whether taxpayers will contribute towards the cost of their protection remains one of the issues surrounding the family’s move.

Harry has previously pursued legal action over his security arrangements in the UK, arguing that the change to his level of protection affected his ability to bring his family back to Britain.

The couple have not publicly addressed all of the questions surrounding their latest decision to spend an extended period in the UK.

For now, the family has returned to Britain, with their children’s education appearing to be a key factor in the move.

A return that is already dividing opinion

Harry and Meghan’s arrival has therefore brought two very different reactions.

For some, their return could allow the Sussexes to spend more time in Britain and give Archie and Lilibet a closer connection to the country where their father was born.

For others, particularly those concerned about privacy and tourism, the possibility of the couple settling in the Cotswolds is unwelcome.

The strength of the reaction also reflects how divisive the Sussexes remain more than six years after stepping away from royal duties.

Whether the family eventually puts down permanent roots in the Cotswolds, spends only part of the year in Britain or chooses another location remains to be seen.