Prince Harry and Meghan Markle return home to US after 17 days in UK for Queen's funeral
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reportedly returned home to California after a long stint in the UK following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Prince Harry, 38, and Meghan Markle, 41, had been in Europe since early September after flying over for several philanthropic engagements – however their stay was unexpectedly extended after news of the monarch's death on September 8.
According to Us Weekly, the former royals have officially arrived back home to their children Archie, three, and 18-month-old Lilibet, after quietly leaving Heathrow Airport on Tuesday.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly flown home to the US. AP
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The couple had been in the UK for 17 days. A source told the magazine Harry and Meghan were keen to reunite with their two children as it had been the longest period of time they'd ever spent away from them.
"Meghan and Harry are preparing to return to Montecito almost immediately after the funeral, where they'll be reunited with Archie and Lilibet after being separated for over two weeks," the insider said on Monday.
"[It's been] the longest amount of time they've been apart from their children."
Their departure comes after reports claimed Meghan had requested a one-on-one audience with King Charles III in a bid to "clear the air" after the Queen's funeral.
NBC royal reporter Neil Sean said a "very good source" had told him the duchess requested an audience with Charles via a letter.
"She'd now like [to], before they return back to California, to have a one-to-one audience with King Charles III," Sean claimed in a video posted on YouTube.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spent 17 days in the UK after their trip was extended due to the Queen's death. Getty
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"That's right, Meghan one-to-one with King Charles III. You heard correct. And what's interesting here is, according to that good source, this was made in a formal letter, this is how you write to the King. Now you have to admire Meghan's self-belief, whatever you think."
Sean said the letter was Meghan's attempt to "clear the air" and "put the rights from wrongs" after a strained few years.
However, it is unclear if such a meeting took place before Harry and Meghan returned to Montecito.
It had been the longest amount of time the former royals spent away from Archie and Lilibet. Duke and Duchess of Sussex/Alexi Lubomirski
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In a surprise interview with The Cut in late August, Meghan admitted she still had a tense relationship with the royal family after her and Harry's shock exit in 2020.
"I think forgiveness is really important. It takes a lot more energy to not forgive," Meghan said.
"But it takes a lot of effort to forgive. I've really made an active effort, especially knowing that I can say anything."
She added: "I have a lot to say until I don't. Do you like that? Sometimes, as they say, the silent part is still part of the song."
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