Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s plans to return to the U.K. have sparked plenty of speculation online, with some people questioning the decision and others preparing to defend Meghan against renewed scrutiny.
According to USA TODAY, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will return to the U.K. with their children later this month, more than six years after stepping back from royal duties and relocating to the United States. Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, have enrolled in British schools and are expected to begin classes in September.
Harry and Meghan are not expected to resume their roles as working royals and plan to maintain their home in Montecito, California.
Harry and Meghan have previously spoken about racism Meghan faced as a biracial Black member of the royal family, intense media scrutiny and what they described as a lack of support from the institution, according to TIME.
The couple has not publicly explained the reasoning behind the reported move back. When asked about the move Wednesday (August 19), Harry told the Associated Press, “Nothing to say.” The uncertainty has left some social media users wondering what could be behind the decision.
Writer Demetria L. Lucas said she has “no idea” why Harry and Meghan are returning, noting that the couple has previously spoken at length about their difficult experiences in the U.K.
“But they are going anyway. There must be a good reason,” Lucas wrote. “Whatever it is, I hope they remain sane and alive and have a support system.”
British TikTok creator SAREL offered a theory of her own, while emphasizing that it was purely speculation and had not been confirmed by Harry or Meghan. She suggested Meghan could be in a better mental and emotional place now than when the couple left the U.K., and theorized that Meghan may want their children to understand Harry’s British heritage and connection to the country.
The creator also predicted that the couple could face intense scrutiny when they return.
“It’s gonna be a circus for the first maybe year, year and a half,” she said, before joking that she was “logging back into” her shift defending the couple.
Others are already expressing concern for Meghan.
“I’m ready to clock in for my shift to protect Meghan in the UK,” artist Morgan Overton wrote.
Another commenter, @sandi_side, said she was concerned about Meghan’s “emotional and mental health,” adding that she hopes Meghan has “the strength and support to face it all, again.”
Not everyone viewed the reported move negatively.
@trendywendyseattle on Threads praised Harry and Meghan for their strength and love for each other while criticizing the criticism Meghan has faced.
But for some, the decision remains difficult to understand.
“Harry and Meghan did all that just to go back to a country/family they claim left her suicidal and without freedom,” @q_steph wrote. “Now, they voluntarily go back to the lion’s den.”
For many online, one thing seems certain: When Meghan returns to the U.K., the commentary — and the people ready to defend her — will be waiting.
The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.