Meghan Markle shares idyllic glimpse of Sussexes’ new UK life
The Duchess of Sussex has shared intimate family footage of Harry, Archie and Lilibet enjoying the English countryside as they begin a new chapter in Britain.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has offered the first glimpse of her family’s new life back in Britain, sharing footage of Prince Harry and their children enjoying an apparently idyllic spell in the English countryside.
The 45-year-old posted the 35-second montage to Instagram on Sunday (13.09.26), less than three weeks after she and her husband Harry, 41, returned to the UK with Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, following six years based in California.
The family arrived in Britain on 26 August and Archie and Lilibet have since begun the new school year in the UK.
In the opening moments of the clip, Meghan and Harry walk hand-in-hand through the countryside before Meghan turns towards the camera and playfully calls: “Come on, you.”
The video is accompanied by Wham!’s 1984 hit Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go and features a Union flag and red heart emoji.
Other clips show the family making the most of rural life, with Harry fishing from a small boat with the children and the family walking through woodland.
Lilibet is seen riding a bicycle while Archie runs alongside her, while another moment captures one of the children warming their feet beside a fireplace.
The footage provides one of the most personal looks yet at the Sussexes’ return to Britain after they stepped down as senior working members of the royal family in 2020 and moved to North America.
The couple eventually settled in Montecito, California, where they pursued independent commercial and charitable projects while remaining at the centre of intense international attention.
Their departure from royal duties was followed by a series of public disclosures about their experiences within the institution, including their 2021 television interview with Oprah Winfrey and Harry’s memoir, Spare.
The couple have also continued their work through their Archewell organisation, while Meghan has developed her As Ever lifestyle business.
Their return to Britain has not, however, altered their formal position within the monarchy.
King Charles, 77, recently authorised a letter issued by Lord Chamberlain Richard Benyon to senior government and military officials after requests were made for guidance about how the Sussexes should be treated following their relocation.
The letter said Harry and Meghan “are no longer working Members of The Royal Family” and stressed there had been “no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex”.
It added: “Their styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used.”
The guidance also made clear the pair’s charitable activities are undertaken independently, stating: “The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity.”
It continued: “In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.”
Harry and Meghan were reportedly surprised by the way the guidance was released, having been given less than an hour’s notice before details were provided to the media.
The clarification has also renewed attention on Harry’s long-running concerns over security in Britain.
The King’s letter said operational security matters should continue to be handled by the relevant police authorities, with decisions over publicly funded protection made separately from the royal household.
The family’s return nevertheless gives Charles greater opportunity to see Archie and Lilibet.
The children had spent most of their lives in California before the move and are now attending school in Britain, while the Sussexes are reported to be retaining their home in Montecito.
