Royal fans demand answers after Meghan Markle shares new family post

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry seem to have settled into their new life in the UK. The couple touched down on 26 August and have kept a low-profile, spending their time unpacking and preparing their children for their new prep schools.

But on Sunday afternoon, Meghan resurfaced with a new Instagram post – her first since the big move. And it left her followers with one big question.

In the new montage, Meghan gave a glimpse into their new life on this side of the pond – including a video of Archie and Lilibet enjoying the countryside. 

Red-haired Lilibet can be seen with her hair swept up in a bun as she rides a bike with pink tassels, while her brother Archie runs beside her down a tree-lined path, with a herd of deer in the distance. 

In another clip, the kids have joined dad Prince Harry for some fishing on a small boat, while Meghan films from the shore with their black Labrador, Pula, nearby.

Elsewhere, Meghan and Harry appear bundled up in jackets, and holding hands on a scenic walk. “Come on, you,” Meghan ushers to the person behind the camera, presumably one of her young children. Other snippets include cosy moments by the fire and walking through puddles. 

Meghan added a Union Jack flag and red heart emojis over the video, which was soundtracked to the 1984 classic ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’ by Wham!.

The former actress has her comments disabled on her Instagram – but that didn’t stop fans from taking to social media with one burning question… where were the clips filmed?

Some have suggested the Sussexes were at Althorp – home to Harry’s Earl Spencer and the final resting place of Princess Diana. Harry has retained a close relationship with his maternal uncle, and the family spent time together with Earl at Althorp during their visit to the UK this summer. 

In a matter of days, Earl’s new book, Swan Song: Diana, my sister, will be released ahead of the 30th anniversary of her death. In a recent post on X, he posed with copies of the book, writing: “Always an amazing moment for an author to receive a printed copy of their new book for the first time – particularly on this occasion, with ‘Swan Song’ being my most personal work by some distance. At the end of the day, it’s a brother’s tribute to an extraordinary sister.”

The book is set to be released in the UK on September 22, 2026. Earl Spencer said just a few weeks ago: “With the 30th anniversary of Diana’s tragic death on the skyline, I’ve been inundated yet again with requests for interviews about my sister.

“This has convinced me to write down my own thoughts and memories, once and for all, rather than having the discomfort of again reading the opinions of others, many of which are based on untruths that have become accepted over time.”

Prince Harry is also said to be looking to commemorate the anniversary of his mother’s death. He is reportedly planning a new Netflix television documentary about Diana, timed for the 30th anniversary of her death in 2027.

Royal tensions

The Sussexes moved back to the UK from California in late August, with Archie and Lilibet starting school just last week.  A source close to the couple said: “They are happy to be back.”

But tensions with the royal family remain at the forefront. A letter was sent at the direction of the King to military and government figures, reminding them that the Sussexes remain “private citizens” who did not represent the monarchy.

In the “letter of guidance” to senior stakeholders, made public last Monday and sent on behalf of the monarch, the Lord Chamberlain stated there is “no change” to the Sussexes’ status, and their Royal Highness titles should not be used. 

The message from the King emphasises that the position agreed in 2020 when the Sussexes left the UK – the so-called Sandringham Agreement – is still in place.

This ruled out any “half-in and half-out” status, so Harry and Meghan could not pursue their own commercial interests while continuing to be working royals. It also confirmed that the couple will operate separately from the Royal Household. 

The letter was shared with the Duke and Duchess – but a spokesperson said the couple “were a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance”. But royal sources said they were made aware of the letter, before it was made public.

Just two days later, Uganda withdrew from the Duke’s Invictus Games two days later, blaming the “Harry and Meghan nonsense”.

‘Shot across the bows’

The letter has been seen by many as something of a shot across the bows, making it clear that any visits the couple undertake should not be treated as royal engagements.

And it came a short time before the Sussexes are expected to embark on a series of public appearances this autumn.

Protection

It is also understood a security committee, which includes Home Office representatives, is meeting this week to look at the level of taxpayer-funded security that should be given to the Sussexes now they are residents in the UK.

The Royal and VIP Executive Committee – known as Ravec – decides security for royals and public figures, and  Harry has previously complained about a lack of adequate police protection in the UK.

The Home Office does not comment on such decision making – and would be unlikely to reveal the outcome of such a meeting.

“The UK government’s protective security system is rigorous and proportionate. It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals’ security,”  a Home Office spokesperson told the BBC.

Harry confirms his first UK engagement

While the Sussexes have been lying low since landing back on British soil, Harry confirmed his first official public engagements last week. HELLO! revealed that the Duke of Sussex will attend both the inaugural Invictus Spirit Awards and the annual WellChild Awards.

HELLO! is a proud media partner of the WellChild Awards, which will take place in London on 21 September. 

“It is always a privilege to be part of the WellChild Awards and to meet the extraordinary children, young people, families and professionals whose courage and determination inspire us all,” the Duke said in a statement. 

“This year feels particularly special as we celebrate 20 years of the WellChild Nurse programme; two decades of supporting thousands of children and families and helping them to live more of their lives at home. These Awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate that impact, but above all to celebrate the incredible people at the heart of it. Their stories are a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through compassion, connection and community.”