The Duke and Duchess of Sussex return home, with Meghan exploring new opportunities in acting and lifestyle branding
Category: Arts & Culture
Meghan Markle is reportedly in discussions to return to acting with a role in Guy Ritchie’s Netflix drama The Gentlemen, marking her most substantial on-screen project since her departure from Suits. This news comes as Markle, 45, and her husband Prince Harry, 41, returned to the United Kingdom on August 19, 2026, with their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5.
Insiders tell PEOPLE that the couple had been contemplating Meghan’s return to acting for some time before this opportunity arose. Meghan, who played Rachel Zane in Suits for seven seasons from 2011 to 2018, stepped away from the series ahead of their wedding in 2018. Even after stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and relocating to California, she had expressed reluctance about returning to acting, stating in a 2022 interview with Variety, "I’m done." Yet, she added, "I guess never say never." This apparent change of heart aligns with her recent activities, including filming two seasons and a holiday special for her Netflix lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan, which premiered in 2025.
In addition to her lifestyle show, Meghan made a cameo as herself in the upcoming film Close Personal Friends, starring Lily Collins and Jack Quaid. She was spotted on set in Pasadena in November 2025, appearing relaxed and happy, according to sources. The potential role in The Gentlemen would signify a return to acting and influence the timing of the family's move back to the UK, as the series is filmed there.
The Sussexes' return to the UK has sparked considerable interest and speculation, particularly about how their relationship with the royal family might evolve. Harry has not been seen publicly with his brother, Prince William, since Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022. Their strained relationship has been a focal point for royal commentators, especially as the brothers have not communicated for over two years, a situation exacerbated by Harry's revelations in his memoir Spare.
Lady Eliza Spencer, Harry's cousin, became the first family member to publicly comment on their return, expressing excitement and a desire to visit them. "Absolutely, it’s exciting!" she said during a recent event. Her remarks highlight a potential thaw in family relations as the Sussexes navigate their new life in the UK.
The couple's relocation appears to be influenced by multiple factors beyond just acting opportunities. A source close to Meghan emphasized that they did not uproot their family solely for a role, indicating a blend of personal, educational, and professional reasons driving their decision. As the children prepare to start school in the UK, it reflects a commitment to their education and stability.
As the Sussexes settle into their new life, Harry is reportedly taking on the role of a "stay-at-home dad," a title that has generated mixed reactions among the public. He described himself as a "full-time dad" earlier this year, emphasizing his focus on family life. Meanwhile, Meghan continues to develop her lifestyle brand, As Ever, alongside her potential acting career.
Netflix UK scripted chief Manda Levin commented on Meghan's rumored casting during an appearance at the Edinburgh TV Festival, stating, "All bets are off" when asked about her involvement in The Gentlemen. The series, which has been renewed for a third season, is currently in pre-production with scripts being finalized. Reports have suggested that discussions about Meghan's role remain unresolved, with conflicting narratives about whether her casting was ever confirmed or withdrawn due to backlash.
As the couple navigates their new life, they have plans to return to California during school holidays, with Christmas being the first opportunity. This arrangement allows them to maintain ties with their home in Montecito, where they have established a life over the past few years. The family is expected to engage in charitable endeavors, with Harry continuing his work with organizations he supports, including the Invictus Games.
In a broader sense, their return to the UK may also provide an opportunity for reconciliation with the royal family. Experts suggest that the King and other family members may be inclined to welcome Harry and Meghan, especially as they prioritize family values of compassion and forgiveness. The upcoming 30th anniversary of Princess Diana's death could serve as a poignant moment for the brothers to reconnect, potentially leading to a public appearance together.
As the Sussexes adjust to their new circumstances, they are likely to face scrutiny and speculation about their roles within the royal family and their professional pursuits. With Meghan's potential acting comeback and Harry's commitment to family life, the couple's next chapter will likely be as complex and complex as their previous years in the public eye.
With the move already completed, the Sussexes' future in the UK is uncertain, as they navigate both personal and professional landscapes in a country that has been the center of their lives for so long. The coming months will reveal how they balance their aspirations with family dynamics and public expectations.