Londoners Split on Sussexes' Planned Return to UK

Londoners offered sharply contrasting opinions on Thursday following reports that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, plan to return to the United Kingdom for an extended stay beginning this autumn.

The couple's children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, have reportedly been enrolled in British schools and are set to begin classes in September. The family intends to reside at a private, non-royal property outside London while retaining their homes in Montecito, California, and Portugal.

Tracy Price, a 64-year-old retired Londoner, expressed skepticism about the couple's reception. "I think that he abandoned the country and its people once, and from that position it's very hard for him to come back and to be accepted by a lot of people," she said. Price acknowledged Harry's concern for his father's health but questioned the public nature of the return, noting the couple had sought privacy when they stepped back from royal duties.

Others welcomed the news. Jasmine Richards, 27, a marketing worker, said, "I think that they should be able to live happily and peacefully wherever they want to go. I personally, like Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, I think they've built a lovely life together."

Sarah Oldman, 61, offered a more sympathetic view, suggesting Harry may be missing his family and the royal life he left behind. "I think he's lonely, I think he's missing his family," she said, adding that she believes he would be welcomed back if he sought to rebuild his royal connections.

The reports follow years of strained relations between the Sussexes and the royal family since their move to California more than six years ago. Harry has recently indicated interest in reconciliation, particularly to spend more time with his father, King Charles III, who is undergoing treatment for cancer.

When approached by reporters at a Washington event on Wednesday, Harry declined to comment on the reports. Buckingham Palace has not commented on speculation regarding non-working royals, and a representative for the couple also declined to respond.