Princess Diana’s Niece Shares Her Reaction to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Return to the UK

Princess Diana’s niece, Lady Eliza Spencer, has become the first member of Prince Harry’s extended family to publicly comment on his return to the United Kingdom. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex recently arrived in England with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, marking an important moment for the family after spending several years living in the United States.

Harry and Meghan stepped away from their official royal responsibilities in 2020 and subsequently established their lives in California. Since then, their relationship with the wider royal family has attracted considerable public attention. Their latest return to Britain, however, appears to have been welcomed warmly by at least some members of Harry’s family, particularly those on his late mother Princess Diana’s side.

Lady Eliza Spencer Welcomes Harry and Meghan’s Return

While other members of the royal family have largely avoided making public statements about Harry and Meghan’s latest plans, Lady Eliza Spencer was more open about her feelings.

Speaking to The Mirror at an event celebrating the launch of her Lala V rosé brand on Wednesday evening, the 34-year-old expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of spending more time with her cousin and his family.

When asked how she felt about Harry and Meghan being back in the UK, Eliza responded positively, saying that it was “exciting.” She added that she and her family would be happy to find an opportunity to spend time with the Sussexes during their stay.

Her brief but warm response suggests that there is still a friendly relationship between Harry and his relatives on his mother’s side of the family. Although the Duke has experienced well-publicized tensions with some members of the royal household, his connection with the Spencer family appears to have remained strong.

Eliza was also asked whether she might exchange advice about winemaking with Meghan. The Duchess launched a rosé wine under her As Ever lifestyle brand in 2025, while Eliza has been developing her own wine business. Rather than ruling out the possibility, she playfully answered, “Maybe!”

A Special Connection to Princess Diana

Lady Eliza Spencer is the daughter of Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, and his former wife, Victoria Aitken. This makes her one of Princess Diana’s nieces and a member of the Spencer family into which Diana was born.

Although Eliza was only five years old when Diana died in 1997, she has spoken fondly about the memories she and her siblings have of their aunt. Despite being very young at the time, Eliza remembers Diana as a loving and gentle presence in their childhood.

In an earlier interview with The Standard, Eliza recalled spending time with Diana, including family trips to the beach. She described her aunt as a “very gentle and kind and sweet figure” in their lives. Like many members of Diana’s family, she found it difficult to understand the tragedy when the princess died.

Eliza’s memories highlight the personal bond that existed between Diana and her nieces and nephews. Although they were young, the children clearly remembered the warmth and affection Diana showed toward them.

Eliza Attended Harry and Meghan’s Wedding

Lady Eliza has also maintained a visible connection with Harry and Meghan over the years. She attended their wedding at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in May 2018, accompanied by her siblings Lady Kitty Spencer, Lady Amelia Spencer and Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp.

The event brought together members of the British royal family and the Spencer family, making it a significant occasion for both sides of Harry’s family.

Eliza is now engaged to Channing Millerd, and when she was asked whether Harry and Meghan might be invited to her wedding, she indicated that members of her family would be included on the guest list. Her comments suggest that the relationship between the Sussexes and their extended relatives remains cordial despite the distance created by Harry and Meghan’s move to the United States.

Harry Remains Close to the Spencer Family

Harry has frequently demonstrated that his relationship with his mother’s relatives is important to him. In July, he reportedly spent time with his uncle, Charles Spencer, at Althorp House, the historic Spencer family estate and Diana’s childhood home.

During the visit, Harry was able to reconnect with members of his extended family. He also brought Meghan and their children to the estate, where the family visited Diana’s grave.

The visit was particularly meaningful because Althorp is closely associated with Diana’s life and legacy. It is also a place where Harry can maintain a connection with his mother and with the family she came from.

His continued relationship with the Spencers appears to provide him with an important link to his childhood and to Diana’s memory. Unlike his relationship with certain members of the royal family, his bond with his maternal relatives has generally attracted less controversy.

Harry and Meghan Return After Six Years in the United States

The couple’s latest UK visit comes amid reports that they are planning to spend considerably more time in Britain after six years of living in the United States.

The Sussexes reportedly made arrangements for their children to attend British schools, signaling a significant change in the family’s lifestyle. King Charles was reportedly informed about his son’s plans shortly before Harry, Meghan and their children arrived in the country.

The reported move has generated considerable interest because Harry and Meghan’s decision to leave royal life and relocate to California represented one of the most significant changes within the modern royal family.

Despite returning to Britain, the couple will continue to live as private citizens rather than returning to official royal duties. They are not expected to resume their former roles as working members of the royal family.

Archie and Lilibet Prepare for British Schools

One of the biggest changes for the Sussex children will be their transition from the American education system to British schools.

Prince Archie is expected to enter Year Five, while Princess Lilibet will reportedly begin Year Three. Moving between two different education systems could require the children to adjust to differences in curriculum, teaching methods and academic expectations.

Grace Moody-Stuart, Consultancy Director at The Good Schools Guide, previously explained that children moving from American schools to the British system may sometimes need additional support when they first arrive.

According to her, the British education system tends to follow a more structured curriculum from an early age. As a result, students arriving from the United States may find that they need to catch up with certain areas of the English curriculum.

For Archie and Lilibet, this transition will therefore involve more than simply changing schools. They will also need to become familiar with a different educational structure and potentially new academic expectations.

Nevertheless, Harry and Meghan’s decision to establish a stronger connection with Britain appears to represent a new chapter for their family. Their children will have the opportunity to spend more time in the country where their father was born and to develop a closer relationship with their extended British family.

For Lady Eliza Spencer, the Sussexes’ return is clearly something to look forward to. Her enthusiastic reaction reflects the possibility of renewed family connections, particularly between Harry, Meghan and the Spencer relatives who have remained an important part of his life.