The Royal Family is convening what has been dubbed a “Balmoral summit” this week, with King Charles and Prince William meeting at the Aberdeenshire estate to address the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s unexpected decision to relocate to Britain after more than six years in California.
William has been holidaying at the Scottish retreat alongside Catherine and their three children, joining the King and Queen for the traditional summer Highland gathering.
News of the Sussexes’ return became public on Wednesday evening, though Charles had been informed by his younger son three days prior. William was likewise given advance notice.
The announcement nonetheless caught the wider royal circle off guard. Sources maintain the subject never arose when the King and Queen entertained Harry and Meghan at Highgrove in early July, and other senior family members were reportedly unaware of any relocation plans.
The Royal Family is convening what has been dubbed a “Balmoral summit” this week, with King Charles and Prince William meeting at the Aberdeenshire estate to address the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s unexpected decision to relocate to Britain after more than six years in California.
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Among the thorniest issues facing the family is who will fund the Sussexes’ protection, with the couple planning to reside in a non-royal property outside London.
A security source estimated that round-the-clock coverage for a family of four could reach between £3million and £5million annually.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham declined to comment, calling the funding question a “private matter.”
The Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, known as Ravec, is expected to assess the Sussexes’ case.
The announcement nonetheless caught the wider royal circle off guard. Sources maintain the subject never arose when the King and Queen entertained Harry and Meghan at Highgrove in early July, and other senior family members were reportedly unaware of any relocation plans.
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A former cabinet minister warned the public would struggle to accept the cost, describing the saga as “a display of flagrant entitlement” by the duke.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have made no public comment on the Sussexes’ return.
Charles is understood to welcome the prospect of greater time with his younger son’s family, though he has made clear the Sussexes will not resume duties as working royals. No half-in, half-out arrangement is on the table.
A YouGov survey of 5,810 adults found just 21 per cent of the public favour the couple’s return, while 45 per cent were undecided.
Separate polling from last month painted a similarly bleak picture: only 22 per cent view Meghan positively against 65 per cent who hold an unfavourable opinion.
Harry fared marginally better at 33 per cent positive and 58 per cent negative, though his ratings have improved by six points over the past year.
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are expected to begin at their new British schools in early September.
The Sussexes intend to retain their Montecito mansion, purchased for $14.75million, as well as their £6.3million Portuguese villa.