King Charles has seemingly been blindsided by the announcement that Prince Harry and Meghan are returning to the UK. 

The monarch is said to have only been informed on Sunday about the Sussexes' return to British soil this month.  

Harry, 41, and Meghan, 45, are understood to be returning for an 'extended period' later this month, with Archie and Lilibet set to enrol at a British school. 

The family will move into a non-royal residence and will not be working royals.

It is understood that the monarch 'welcomes' the chance to see his youngest son and his family in a personal capacity. 

However, the King is clear that there will be 'no alteration' to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's role and status, as sources stressed there is 'no half in, half out option'.

Harry and Meghan will remain private individuals and non-working members of the Royal Family in keeping with their 'clearly expressed wishes and agreement over past years'.  

Despite clarity over their status, no questions have been addressed on whether the duo will return to the royal fold on a full-time basis should they be willing to give up their commercial endeavours.

Meanwhile, sources have insisted it is not within the couple's 'plan' to return to the royal fold. 

The recent announcement comes just a month after the Duke saw his father in July following his High Court loss against Associated Newspapers. 

He is understood to have visited his father at his Highgrove House residence in Gloucestershire, following an Invictus one-year-to-go event in nearby Birmingham. 

Harry was joined by his wife and two children, in an occasion that would have been the first time Lilibet and Archie had seen the monarch since Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022. 

And just mere weeks ago, sources close to Harry said he wanted to visit Britain 'every few months' over the next year after his reunion with King Charles last month.

Before opting for a more long-term return, the Duke of Sussex, 41, said his most recent visit with his father and to the UK left him feeling 'buoyed', 'very happy' and 'really energised'.

Harry was set to return to Britain in September for around a week, for a series of engagements including Invictus Games, which will be held in Birmingham next summer, as well as WellChild, the charity supporting seriously ill children. 

A source previously told The Sunday Times: 'He wants more of a foothold here, more trips back, less courtroom drama. And he always loves seeing his family.'

Meanwhile, just weeks ago it was believed the Duke wanted his father to stand alongside him at next Summer's Invictus Games.

A source told the Mirror: 'Next year is a big deal for Harry. He is determined the Birmingham Games will be the best ever. It would mean the world to him to have his father there.'

Harry and Meghan, who quit as senior royals in 2020 and moved to California, have also recently spoken about their wish to introduce their children to their British roots.

During a visit to Warwickshire, Harry said: ‘I love being here, this is the highlight of my month.

'Actually probably the last few months. It’s very easy to sit in your grief, to sit in your stress but, guys, if you are feeling it, share it.’

As it stands, the Duke and Duchess no longer require accommodation for their patronages, with the whole family believed to be returning within the next two weeks.

Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, are thought to have already enrolled at a British school - and the family are reportedly planning to stay for an 'extended period' until the children finish education.

It is not yet know, however, whether the move will be a permanent one. The location of Harry and Meghan's new home has remained unknown for privacy reasons.

Harry and Meghan are set to retain their £11million home in Montecito, California, which they have lived in since moving across the pond in 2020. They also still own a residence in Portugal.

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