Harry and Meghan plan return to Britain with their children
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex plan to move from the US to Britain by the end of the month, with their children reportedly already enrolled in a British school. Buckingham Palace says the couple's royal status will not change.
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle are reportedly preparing to leave the United States and move back to the United Kingdom — six years after their departure caused a rift with the royal family. The Daily Telegraph reported the plan late on Wednesday, saying the couple intends to settle into a new home by the end of this month. The new residence will be located outside London and will not be a royal property. Several outlets report that the couple's children — seven-year-old Prince Archie and five-year-old Princess Lilibet — have already been enrolled in a British school, with classes starting in September.
Possible reasons
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams notes that the couple's ventures in Hollywood have not gone as hoped: their original Netflix deal was scaled back, they lost their Spotify partnership, and Meghan's cooking show failed to gain major success. He suggests the move could be an attempt to change course before William becomes king. Other commentators point to a desire to rebuild ties with King Charles III — the couple met him briefly in Britain in July, the first time in four years their children saw their grandfather.
Where and what they will do
Fitzwilliams suggests the couple could settle in the Cotswolds, a region familiar to Harry from childhood. They are expected to keep their home in the US as well as a property in Portugal. Buckingham Palace has made clear the couple will remain outside official royal duties, though Harry continues as patron of several charities and remains involved with the Invictus Games, which he founded and which will be held in Birmingham next year. Meghan launched her lifestyle brand, As Ever, in 2025. Public opinion of the couple remains cautious, with a YouGov poll showing only 22% of Britons view Meghan positively and 33% view Harry positively.
Family relations and security
Harry's relationship with his brother William, who has reportedly not reconciled with him, remains strained. Harry had previously expressed security concerns after losing a legal case over police protection funding. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond noted that the decision to return now is striking given those earlier concerns.
