Prince Harry and Meghan Markle plan to relocate from the United States back to the United Kingdom later this month, intending to move into a private, non-royal residence outside London. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are enrolled to start at a British school in September.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are preparing for a major lifestyle shift returning to the UK after six years in California. The couple first stepped back from their roles as senior working royals in January 2020, announcing a transition to financial independence and a life split between North America and the United Kingdom. Now, sources confirm they will spend an extended period in Britain while maintaining their permanent ties abroad.
Relocation Plans and Family Arrangements
The family’s upcoming return involves significant practical changes for their household. Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, will enrol at British schools as part of the move. While the exact location of their new home remains under wraps, outlets report they will settle into a non-royal residence outside of London.
Despite establishing this new domestic base in the UK, the Sussexes will retain their property portfolio abroad. According to reporting from Gbnews, the family will keep their £11million mansion in Montecito, California, alongside their Portuguese property, which they utilized last month before traveling back to Britain for a series of engagements.
Royal Communication and Working Status
King Charles was informed of the relocation plan on a Sunday, according to palace sources. The palace was made aware of the move ahead of the public confirmation, though officials emphasize that the return does not signal a change in official duties. Both the BBC and Page Six confirm that there are no current plans for either Harry or Meghan to resume working royal responsibilities.
Instead, the couple will continue focusing on their commercial enterprises and charitable endeavors. This arrangement aligns with the late Queen Elizabeth II’s standing position that a half in, half out
royal role is not feasible. The King is understood to be welcoming the opportunity to see his son and grandchildren in a private and personal capacity, while maintaining the clear boundary that their status remains that of private individuals.
Context Behind the Return
The move marks a notable chapter following years of public tension between the Sussexes and the wider royal family. After their initial departure in 2020—which subsequently led to the closure of their Buckingham Palace office and the redundancy of UK-based staff such as assistant communications secretary Julie Burley and communications chief Sara Latham—relations were further strained by high-profile media appearances, including an interview with Oprah Winfrey, a Netflix docuseries, and Harry’s memoir, Spare.
Recent months have seen incremental changes in tone, highlighted by Harry’s charity engagements in Birmingham promoting the Invictus Games and a visit to Highgrove in July. As the family prepares for the end-of-month transition, public and media attention will focus on how the Sussexes balance their private family life in Britain with their ongoing international commitments.
