Prince Harry breaks silence on return to UK amid royal dramas: 'It's been eventful'

The Duke of Sussex has spoken of his "eventful" first weeks back in the UK after returning home with his family from California. Harry, who turned 42 this week, has just relocated from the US with his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, and their children, Prince Archie, seven, and five-year-old Princess Lilibet. Heavy traffic and the lengthy journey to the school reportedly put the Sussexes’ security team under strain.The decision comes amid reports that both the Sussexes will receive an official risk assessment following their return.In an interview with Hello!, Harry was asked how life has been since the family moved back to British soil."The last two weeks have been… it’s been eventful," he said. "But, you know, we’re getting stuck into the work. Kids are in school."We’re happy. And as I said, it’s great to be back on British soil, and looking forward to Birmingham next year for the Invictus Games that’s coming up."Harry posed for photos and gave a speech during his first public appearance since returning to the UK on Thursday evening.Prince Harry walks with James Haskell as he arrives at the Invictus Games Foundation's inaugural Invictus Spirit Awards at Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich on Thursday, September 17, 2026 GettyHe attended the inaugural Invictus Spirit Awards at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, south-east London, cheerily waving to fans as he arrived.Dressed in black tie and wearing his military medals, Harry posed for photographs in front of the press and then for selfies with wounded veterans.At a champagne reception in an adjoining courtyard, he told guests he was “incredibly excited” to meet the winners and nominees after being part of the judging panel, alongside the Duchess of Sussex, for the awards.Read MoreThe ceremony aims to honour the remarkable feats of extraordinary people and organisations at the heart of the global Invictus community.A host of famous faces including comedian James Corden, who opened the evening, chart-topping singer Jess Glynne, who gave a headline performance, and actor Ross Kemp were also in attendance.After welcoming Harry with a hug, Sonique, who was DJing at the bash, said: “It’s nice to have him home. He used to come to my gigs, I have missed him.”On spotting former England rugby union star James Haskell, Harry walked over and gave him a bear hug telling him “great to see you again”.The pair posed for pictures at a specially erected photo booth before the duke was taken into the awards.The evening recognised those who have beaten the odds, supported others in their recovery, advanced sport and rehabilitation, or made an outstanding contribution to the wider Invictus community.Harry and Meghan moved back to the UK three weeks ago after six years in the US PA ArchiveThe award categories recognise resilience, community, commitment to international sports recovery and philanthropic support.Harry founded the Invictus Games for wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans, which takes place every two years, in 2014.The next edition in 2027 represents a homecoming not only for the duke, but the games, with Birmingham named as the host city.Harry’s first public engagement since moving back to the UK from the US came after a war of words broke out between his father the King and Earl Charles Spencer, the brother of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.A palace spokesman said: “While we do not comment on books as a matter of principle, His Majesty is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss.”In January 2020, Harry and Meghan had announced they intended to step back as “senior” members of the royal family, become financially independent, still support Queen Elizabeth II, but split their time between the UK and North America.But the late Queen ruled at the Sandringham Summit, which was convened to resolve the Megxit crisis, that the couple could not be half in and half out – and the King recently said the agreement still stands.