The royal pair are moving back to the UK with their children Archie and Lilibet
The return of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to the UK has certainly come as a surprise for some, particularly in the aftermath of their dramatic departure, dubbed “Megxit”, back in 2020. As the couple swap the sun-soaked lifestyle of California for a fresh start as non-working royals in Britain alongside their children, Archie and Lilibet, royal fans have been wondering what their new life in the UK could look like.
A major topic of discussion centres on the couple’s security arrangements, following Harry’s failed legal challenge in 2025 over the level of protection afforded to him and his family during visits to Britain.
Another question fans are keen to answer is regarding who will make up the Sussexes’ close social circle once they are settled in their new home.
Harry’s position is understood to be particularly complex, given the well-documented breakdown of his relationship with Prince William, despite the pair still sharing mutual friends from their childhood years. The Prince of Wales is yet to make any public comment regarding his brother’s return to British soil, reports the Express.
Robert Hardman, author of Elizabeth II: In Private. In Public. The Inside Story, told the i Paper: “In some cases it’s been awkward. The Duke of Westminster (Hugh Grosvenor) is friendly with both, but he’s on William’s side.”
One individual believed to be within the Sussexes’ circle is JJ Chalmers – a former Royal Marine turned television presenter, recognised for his work on The One Show and BBC Breakfast, as well as his participation in the 18th series of Strictly Come Dancing.
JJ suffered life-changing injuries from a 2011 IED explosion in Afghanistan and has previously served as a trustee of the Invictus Games, the international sporting event for wounded servicemen and women that Harry established in 2014.
The devastating explosion resulted in the loss of two fingers and caused facial injuries alongside severe damage to his elbow, with medical professionals at one point considering the amputation of both arms.
Another individual who may feature in the Sussexes’ inner circle is Tiggy Pettifer, a former royal nanny. Alexandra “Tiggy” Pettifer (née Legge-Bourke) looked after William and Harry during their childhood in the 1990s and is Archie’s godmother. According to Robert, she remains “very close”.
Harry, meanwhile, is godfather to Tiggy’s two boys, Tom and Fred, and she is understood to share a warm relationship with Meghan. Tiggy’s mother, Dame Shan Legge-Bourke, previously served as lady-in-waiting to Princess Anne, the princes’ aunt.
Eugenie may continue to be a significant figure in the Sussexes’ lives, despite the tension surrounding her father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank’s bond with Harry and Meghan is believed to stretch back before the Sussexes’ wedding, with the couples reportedly having spent time together on double dates.
Additional potential candidates include Harry’s close friend Charlie van Straubenzee and Diana’s family members: her sisters Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale, alongside her brother Earl Spencer, who is preparing to release his book, Swan Song, about Diana later this month.
As for Meghan, several names have been mentioned, including author Lindsay Jill Roth, fashion designer Misha Nonoo, and Southbank Centre chair Misan Harriman.
Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.
