Six years after dramatically stepping back from royal duties, the Duchess of Sussex may be preparing to return to the UK. Reports suggest Meghan Markle could accompany her husband, Prince Harry, to Birmingham later this year for a project that is especially meaningful to him.

Long-Running Tensions with the Royal Family

For those needing a refresher, the Sussexes have reportedly been at odds with the royal institution since Harry and Meghan began their relationship in 2016—an arrangement Prince William is said to have viewed unfavourably. By their own account, both before and after their 2018 wedding, the couple experienced what they described as “bullying” from Harry’s brother and sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, among others. They have also alleged racial discrimination by senior royals concerning the skin tone of their son.

Alongside this, Harry and Meghan objected strongly to Meghan’s negative portrayal in sections of the British tabloid press. Harry has previously said he feared watching his wife “falling victim to the same powerful forces” that affected his mother, Princess Diana.

Why the Sussexes Stepped Back

Taken together, these experiences played a major role in the couple’s decision in 2020 to resign as senior royals and relocate to the United States. They settled in Montecito, California, where they later welcomed their daughter.

The last time the 43-year-old Meghan was in the UK was in 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. That October, she and Harry, now 41, travelled across the Atlantic to be with the late monarch during her final hours. Although they arrived too late to say goodbye, the couple stayed on to attend the Queen’s funeral at Westminster Abbey.

However, when King Charles III was crowned the following May, the former Suits actress did not attend, choosing instead to remain in the US with their two children, six-year-old Prince Archie and four-year-old Princess Lilibet.

Invictus Games Plans Bring New Possibility

This year, The Sunday Times reports that Meghan may be willing to set aside past grievances with the UK to support Harry, who is set to host a promotional event for the 2027 Invictus Games in his home country. The Birmingham events are scheduled to take place a year before the tournament and will feature appearances from sporting figures around the world. It remains unclear whether Archie and Lilibet will attend.