Prince Harry’s return to Britain could give King Charles a chance to see more of his son and grandchildren — but the monarch is reportedly hoping it may also lead to something far more significant: a reconciliation between Harry and Prince William.

Harry, Meghan Markle and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, arrived back in the UK on Wednesday, August 26, after spending more than six years living in the United States. The family travelled privately from California and landed at Birmingham Airport around lunchtime.

Their return marks a major change for the Sussexes, who stepped down as working royals in 2020 and subsequently established their lives in California.

Although the family is expected to remain private citizens and will not resume official royal duties, their move brings Harry and Meghan considerably closer to the Royal Family. Their children are also expected to attend school in Britain from September.

For Charles, that proximity could represent an opportunity to rebuild the family relationships that have been damaged over recent years.

King Charles reportedly wants his two sons to get on (Image: Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

The King reportedly wants his sons together again

Relations between King Charles and Harry are believed to have improved in recent months, particularly following the Sussexes’ visit to Highgrove in July.

That meeting was significant because it gave Charles the opportunity to spend time with Archie and Lilibet, who had not seen their grandfather in person for several years. The visit was the first time the King had been reunited with his grandchildren in four years.

But the situation between Harry and his elder brother remains markedly different.

Prince William and Harry have remained estranged, with reports suggesting that the brothers are not currently speaking. Their relationship deteriorated further following Harry and Meghan’s decision to leave royal duties, as well as the couple’s subsequent interviews, documentary projects and public criticisms of the Royal Family.

According to a source close to the Royal Household quoted by People, Charles would like to have Harry living closer to the family.

“The King would love to have Harry around,” the source said.

The source also suggested that the monarch hopes the new circumstances could eventually bring his sons closer together.

“He will want to see his sons together over time,” they said. “This is the best opportunity we have seen in recent years.”

Prince William and Prince Harry have not been on talking terms for some time (Image: Yui Mok – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Charles has previously urged his sons to make peace

The King’s reported hope for a reconciliation is not entirely new.

Harry himself wrote in his memoir Spare that Charles made an emotional appeal to both of his sons following Prince Philip’s funeral in 2021.

According to Harry’s account, the King asked his sons not to make his final years “a misery”.

Despite that plea, the brothers have remained apart.

Harry’s memoir, which contained a series of revelations about his relationship with William and other members of the Royal Family, was widely seen as deepening an already serious rift between the brothers.

The dispute also followed years of tension that had existed before Harry and Meghan formally stepped away from royal duties.

Harry and William remain at the centre of the family rift

Harry and Meghan’s public criticisms of the Royal Family after their departure in 2020 further strained relations.

The couple spoke openly about their experiences within the institution, including allegations concerning palace staff and the treatment of Meghan. Their interviews, Netflix documentary and Harry’s memoir subsequently kept the family dispute in the public spotlight.

William, meanwhile, has continued his role as heir to the throne and has taken on an increasing share of royal responsibilities.

Recent reports have suggested that he is not currently ready to repair his relationship with Harry.

That means Harry’s return to Britain does not automatically signal a reunion between the brothers.

Instead, the move could put them physically closer while the underlying dispute remains unresolved.

Harry’s relationship with Charles appears to have changed

The relationship between Harry and his father has nevertheless shown signs of improvement.

Harry visited Britain in July for engagements connected to his charitable work, including preparations surrounding the Invictus Games. He and Meghan also brought Archie and Lilibet to Britain during the summer, giving Charles the chance to spend time with the children at Highgrove.

The July meeting was viewed as an important moment in the relationship between father and son.

Harry has previously spoken about wanting his children to have a relationship with their grandfather, while also expressing concern about how much time he may have with his father.

Charles was reportedly informed about the Sussexes’ plans to return to Britain earlier this month. ITV reported that the King welcomed the possibility of seeing more of Harry, Meghan and their children in a private and personal capacity, although there would be no change to their status as non-working members of the Royal Family.

A new chapter, but no return to royal duties

The Sussexes’ move back to Britain does not mean they are returning as working royals.

The couple stepped away from official duties at the beginning of 2020 and subsequently moved to California, where they pursued independent careers and commercial projects.

Their new UK home is expected to be a private property outside London, with reports pointing towards the Cotswolds. The family will retain its existing homes overseas and will not move into a royal residence.

Their return also comes amid continuing uncertainty surrounding Harry’s security arrangements in Britain.

Security has previously been one of the biggest obstacles to Harry bringing his family back to the UK. In 2025, he told the BBC that he could not see a future in which he felt safe returning with his wife and children following changes to his taxpayer-funded security arrangements.

For now, however, the Sussex family has made the move.

Will Harry’s return bring the brothers together?

That remains the biggest unanswered question.

Harry is now living in the same country as his father and brother for the first time since leaving royal life six years ago. His relationship with Charles appears to be on a more stable footing, and the King is reportedly hopeful that greater proximity could eventually help repair the relationship between his sons.

But there is no indication that William is ready to reconcile.

For Charles, the possibility of seeing Harry more regularly — and having Archie and Lilibet closer — may be a welcome development in itself.

Yet his reported wish goes further.

The King is said to want to see his two sons together again, raising the possibility that Harry’s return could become an opportunity for the family to begin addressing a rift that has lasted for years.

Whether that opportunity leads to genuine reconciliation between Harry and William, however, remains uncertain.