Prince Harry and Meghan (née Markle) are moving back to the United Kingdom (UK) later this month, marking a major change for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex more than six years after they left Britain for North America. The couple will relocate with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to a private residence outside London, with the family expected to remain in Britain for an extended period.
The decision comes after a relatively sudden change of plans that reportedly took shape following the family’s July visit to the UK. Rather than being driven by problems with their life in California, the move is understood to reflect a desire to spend more time in Europe, be closer to Harry’s family, and give their children a British education.
For the Sussexes, the timing is particularly significant. Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, have already been enrolled at a British school and are expected to begin the new academic year in September. The family, therefore, has only a short window to settle into its new home before the school term begins.
Why Prince Harry and Meghan Are Returning Now
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are moving back to the U.K. with their children after living in California for the past six years:
• The transition back to Britain is set to begin in the coming weeks.
• The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will maintain their home in Montecito,… pic.twitter.com/m2iUcadnfA
— Variety (@Variety) August 19, 2026
The decision to begin moving back to the UK reportedly crystallized during the family’s summer visit. Harry, Meghan, and their children spent time with King Charles at Highgrove in Gloucestershire before continuing their European trip, which also included Portugal, where the family has a home.
The July visit was particularly meaningful because Archie and Lilibet spent time with members of Harry’s wider family, including relatives on the Spencer side. The children met aunts, uncles, and cousins connected to the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
People familiar with the Sussexes described the trip as a positive experience for the family. What had previously been general conversations about spending more time in Britain subsequently became a firm decision to relocate.
Sources have stressed that the move is not the result of difficulties in the United States. Instead, the family’s priorities have shifted toward Europe, family connections, and education.
Where Will Harry and Meghan Live?
The exact location of the new home has not been revealed, but the couple will not be returning to London itself. Instead, they are expected to live in a private, non-royal residence in the British countryside.
The Cotswolds and Northamptonshire have emerged in reports as possible areas. The latter would place the family relatively close to Althorp, the Spencer family estate, and the childhood home of Diana.
The new residence will also mark the Sussexes’ first British residential base since they left Frogmore Cottage. King Charles asked the couple to vacate the Windsor property in 2023, following their decision to establish their permanent home in California.
Despite the move, the Sussexes are not expected to give up their American life entirely. Their California home will remain part of the family’s wider international setup, while their property in Portugal gives them another European base.
Archie and Lilibet Are Starting British School
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are to leave the U.S. and return to the U.K., the BBC has reported.
• Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have apparently been enrolled in a British school in September, according to U.K. media reports that first appeared in the… pic.twitter.com/8IOq2PavHh
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) August 19, 2026
Education is one of the clearest reasons behind the timing of the relocation.
Archie and Lilibet have already been enrolled at a British school, although the specific institution has not been publicly identified. With English schools beginning their autumn terms in September, the family is expected to arrive and settle in Britain within days of the announcement.
For Harry and Meghan, the decision to move to the UK represents a significant change in how their children experience their father’s home country. Archie was born in the UK, but both children have spent most of their lives in North America.
Their British schooling could also give them more regular opportunities to spend time with their extended family. However, there is no indication that the move will automatically resolve the tensions that have persisted within the Royal Family.
King Charles Welcomes More Family Time
King Charles was informed of the relocation plans on Sunday, August 16, and is understood to have welcomed the prospect of seeing more of his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.
The King was reportedly not involved in the decision, which came as a surprise to him and other members of the Royal Family. His response, however, has been described as a personal one rather than an indication that the Sussexes are being brought back into official royal life.
The July meeting at Highgrove was already an important development in the relationship between the King and the Sussexes. It was the first time Charles had seen Archie and Lilibet in person in more than two years.
The latest move could make those family meetings easier, but it does not necessarily signal a broader royal reconciliation.
No Return to Working Royal Life
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are moving back to the U.K., more than six years after they moved to the U.S. and settled into a home in California. King Charles III was reportedly informed of the decision on Sunday, and there are no plans for Prince Harry… pic.twitter.com/dPRd2ZAwl1
— CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil (@CBSEveningNews) August 19, 2026
Despite the significance of Prince Harry and Meghan’s move to the UK, neither is expected to resume royal duties.
The couple stepped back as senior working royals in 2020 and subsequently confirmed that they would not return to those roles. Their British residence will therefore remain entirely separate from the official work of the monarchy.
That distinction is especially important given the history of the Sussexes’ departure. Their move to the UK does not create a new “half-in, half-out” arrangement, and there are no current plans for them to become working royals again.
Harry will, however, be able to spend more time on UK-based causes. His involvement with the Invictus Games remains a major part of his work, with the next edition scheduled to take place in Birmingham in 2027. A return to Britain could also make it easier for him to maintain relationships with other organizations he supports.
Meghan, meanwhile, has been expanding her lifestyle brand, As Ever, beyond its initial US focus. A European base could provide new opportunities as she develops the business internationally.
What About Prince William?
The Prince of Wales and The Duke of Sussex have reportedly not been speaking for some time. #DailyExpress https://t.co/6i4SD5ssSK pic.twitter.com/fa5sSViBuc
— Daily Express (@Daily_Express) August 15, 2026
The Sussexes’ return should not be confused with a reconciliation between Harry and Prince William.
The brothers’ relationship has remained deeply strained following years of public disagreements, including Harry’s claims about his family in interviews, documentaries and his memoir, “Spare.” There has been no public indication that the move has changed that relationship.
William and Catherine have been informed of the plans, but there has been no public comment from the couple.
For now, the King’s willingness to see more of the Sussexes appears to be separate from the unresolved relationship between his two sons. Living closer to one another may create more opportunities for contact, but it does not guarantee that the underlying tensions will disappear.
Security Remains Unresolved
Security is likely to remain one of the most closely watched issues surrounding the family’s return.
Harry has previously said that concerns over his family’s safety have prevented him from bringing Meghan and their children to Britain. His official security arrangements were downgraded after he stopped being a working royal, prompting a long-running legal dispute with the Home Office.
Harry ultimately lost his challenge over the arrangements and had previously told the BBC that he could not see a situation in which he would bring his wife and children back to the UK.
The Sussexes’ security arrangements for the upcoming move have not been disclosed. They have used private security in the US, but it remains unclear whether their existing team will operate in Britain or whether any changes have been made to their official protection arrangements.
The Home Office has said the UK’s protective security system is “rigorous and proportionate” and declined to discuss individual arrangements.
Is This a Permanent Move?
For now, the answer appears to be no. The family’s return has been described as an extended stay rather than a permanent relocation.
That leaves the Sussexes with a potentially unusual arrangement: a private family life in Britain while retaining strong ties to California and Portugal. The move also allows them to remain independent from the Royal Family while bringing their children closer to Harry’s relatives and British culture.
After six years away, moving back to the UK is nevertheless a substantial change for Prince Harry and Meghan. Their children will start school in Britain, Harry will be closer to his family and UK-based causes, and Meghan will have a European base for her growing business interests.
What happens beyond this extended period remains uncertain. For now, Britain is set to become home again for the Sussex family, even if their future there is still being written.
Featured image: Netflix
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