Prince Harry’s New Life as a Full-Time Father in the UK: What His Return Means for Archie and Lilibet

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have begun a new chapter in their family life after returning to the United Kingdom with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have spent the past six years living in the United States, but their decision to spend an extended period in Britain marks a significant change for the family.

For Harry in particular, his return raises questions about how he will divide his time now that he is no longer a working member of the royal family. While he will continue to support various charitable causes and organisations, his role as a father is expected to remain at the centre of his daily routine.

Harry’s Role as a Full-Time Dad

Harry recently described himself as a “full-time dad” while appearing on Joe Marler’s podcast, Joe Marler Will See You Now. His comments offered an insight into how involved he is in the everyday lives of his children.

According to friends close to the Duke, that approach is unlikely to change now that the family is living in the UK. Instead, Harry is expected to continue taking an active role in raising Archie and Lilibet while also maintaining his professional commitments.

One friend told HELLO! that Harry’s routine in Britain will be broadly similar to the one he followed in California. When the children are at school, he will have time to concentrate on meetings, telephone calls and other responsibilities connected with the organisations and causes he supports.

However, living in Britain could make some of those commitments easier to manage. Rather than conducting every meeting remotely, Harry may now be able to meet representatives and colleagues in person.

This arrangement could allow him to combine his work with a more hands-on approach to parenting. Once the school day is over, he is expected to devote much of his time to his children and their activities.

School Runs and Family Time

Harry is reportedly preparing to embrace many of the ordinary responsibilities associated with family life. This could include taking Archie and Lilibet to and from school, attending their sporting events and spending time with them after classes.

The transition to life in Britain will be particularly important for the children, who have spent most of their lives in the United States. Archie is seven, while Lilibet is five, meaning both are at important stages of their education and development.

Their parents are expected to be closely involved as the children settle into their new surroundings and begin attending British schools in September.

While Harry focuses heavily on family life, Meghan is expected to continue developing her business interests. The Duchess has been working on her lifestyle brand, As Ever, which offers a range of products.

Her latest launch includes a spiced apple butter product, adding to the growing collection of food and lifestyle items associated with the brand. Meghan is therefore likely to remain occupied with her commercial projects while Harry takes on a larger share of the day-to-day family routine.

Could Meghan Return to Acting?

There has also been speculation that Meghan could make a return to acting.

Reports have suggested that she may have been considered for a role in the third season of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series The Gentlemen. However, other reports have claimed that the potential opportunity has since been withdrawn.

At this stage, it remains unclear whether Meghan will return to the screen. If she does take on an acting project, it could add another dimension to the couple’s new arrangement in Britain, particularly if Harry continues to take primary responsibility for the children while she works.

The Sussexes Arrive in Britain

Harry and Meghan arrived in the UK with Archie and Lilibet shortly before midday on Wednesday. The family reportedly travelled from California on a private aircraft and landed at Birmingham Airport.

Reports stated that they used a Bombardier Global Express XRS, a luxury long-range business jet capable of making the transatlantic journey.

The decision to travel privately attracted attention, although the couple’s choice was reportedly influenced by practical and security considerations. Their arrival was also closely followed by the British media, given the significance of their extended return after several years abroad.

Although the family is now back in Britain, their precise location has not been made public. There has been speculation that Harry and Meghan could establish themselves in the Cotswolds, an area known for its rural surroundings and privacy.

Wherever they eventually settle, their return represents a major change from their California lifestyle.

Archie and Lilibet Begin British Education

A particularly important part of the family’s move is the decision to enrol Archie and Lilibet in British schools.

Both children are expected to begin the new school year in September. Their parents will therefore have to help them adapt to a different educational system, new classmates and a new environment.

For Harry, this could also mean becoming more involved in school life than he has been able to be during the family’s years in the US. School events, sports activities and everyday routines could become a regular part of his schedule.

This would fit with his recent description of himself as a full-time father. Rather than returning to a traditional royal schedule, Harry appears to be creating a lifestyle that places family responsibilities alongside his charitable and professional work.

How Has the Royal Family Responded?

The Sussexes’ return has inevitably raised questions about how the wider royal family has reacted.

King Charles is reportedly pleased by the possibility of seeing more of his son and grandchildren. Harry’s relationship with his father has experienced significant difficulties in recent years, but the King is said to welcome opportunities for greater contact with the Sussex family.

There has been less public reaction from the Prince and Princess of Wales. Prince William and Catherine have not publicly commented on Harry and Meghan’s return.

William and Harry’s relationship remains particularly complicated. The brothers have become estranged following a series of highly publicised disagreements and revelations made by Harry after stepping down from royal duties.

Harry discussed his relationship with his brother, father and other members of the royal family during his interview with Oprah Winfrey. He and Meghan later addressed aspects of their royal experience in their Netflix documentary, while Harry provided further details in his memoir, Spare.

These public disclosures have contributed to the continuing tension between the brothers.

Security Concerns Remain

Security has also been a major issue surrounding Harry’s return to Britain.

The Duke previously argued that bringing Meghan and their children to the UK could be unsafe because he no longer receives the same level of publicly funded protection that he had while carrying out royal duties.

Harry has challenged decisions concerning his security arrangements and has maintained that he wants appropriate protection for his family when visiting Britain.

A long-awaited security risk assessment was reportedly conducted at the end of July following instructions from the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, commonly known as RAVEC. However, reports have suggested that Harry had not yet been informed of the outcome.

The issue could therefore remain an important factor in determining how freely the family moves around the UK.

For now, however, Harry and Meghan appear focused on establishing a stable family routine. With Archie and Lilibet preparing to attend British schools, Harry taking on an active parenting role and Meghan continuing her business projects, the Sussexes are entering a new phase of their lives.

Their return does not represent a restoration of their former royal roles. Instead, it appears to be an attempt to build a life in Britain on their own terms, balancing family, charitable work and personal projects while remaining outside the working monarchy.