Prince Harry appeared cheerful during a veterans roundtable event in Washington on Wednesday, even as news emerged that he and his wife Meghan Markle are preparing to return to the UK. The couple are reportedly planning to move back to Britain six years after stepping away from their roles as senior members of the royal family.
Photos from the event showed Harry smiling widely as he greeted guests and spoke at the podium. A small Union Jack, the national flag of the UK, was also placed in front of the microphone. Harry’s appearance came on the same day reports about his family’s return to Britain began making headlines.
Harry has a long connection with the military. The 41 year old served in the British Army for 10 years, from 2005 to 2015. He reached the rank of captain and completed two deployments to Afghanistan. His experience in the armed forces later became an important part of his charitable work.
In 2014, Harry founded the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick military service members and veterans. The competition gives participants an opportunity to take part in adaptive sports and has become one of the key causes associated with the Duke of Sussex.
Meanwhile, reports about Harry and Meghan’s UK return have created fresh interest in the couple’s relationship with the royal family. Page Six reported Wednesday that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to return to the UK at the end of the month for an “extended period” with their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5.
🆕 Prince Harry attended a roundtable event about support for veterans in Washington DC on Wednesday.
— ChrisBaronSmith (@ChrisBaronSmit1) August 20, 2026
The event brought together key military advocates and leaders to discuss critical philanthropic support, mental health resources, and care networks for wounded veterans. pic.twitter.com/0ySC5Mkkox
The 77 year old monarch is reportedly open to spending more time with Harry, Meghan and their children on a personal level. However, their royal status is not expected to change. A source said Charles “looks forward” to seeing them more but made it clear that they will remain private individuals and “non-working members” of the royal family.
According to reports, Harry and Meghan will live in a “non-royal residence” while continuing their business activities. Their return comes more than six years after they announced in January 2020 that they were stepping back from their duties and relocating to the United States.
While their move back to the UK does not mean a return to royal duties, it could give Harry and Meghan more opportunities to spend time with family in Britain.