Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly preparing for a significant change in their family life as they plan to move back to the United Kingdom after nearly six years of living in the United States. The reported relocation comes with another major transition for the Sussex family, as their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are expected to begin school in the UK in September. The move would mark a notable new chapter for the couple, who have spent the years since their departure from royal duties building a private life in California.
Harry and Meghan moved to California in 2020 after announcing that they would step back from their roles as senior working members of the British royal family. Their decision, which attracted enormous international attention, eventually led to the couple establishing their permanent base in the United States. Their son Archie had been born in the UK before the family moved, while their daughter Lilibet was born in California in 2021. For much of the past six years, the children have therefore grown up primarily away from the environment in which Harry himself was raised.
According to recent reports, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are now planning to relocate to Britain this month. The move is reportedly being considered with their children’s education in mind, with Archie and Lilibet expected to start school there in September. For Harry and Meghan, the decision represents more than simply a change of address. It could also give their children a closer connection to the country associated with their father’s family and their royal heritage.
The reported return is particularly significant because Harry and Meghan no longer have access to Frogmore Cottage as their British residence. The couple previously lived at the Windsor property, which had been given to them following their marriage. Their association with the cottage ended after Harry published his memoir Spare in 2023, when the couple were asked to give up their lease on the royal residence. Any new home in Britain is therefore expected to be a private property rather than a royal residence.
The exact location of the family’s reported new home has not been made public. That decision would be understandable given the level of media attention surrounding Harry and Meghan since their relationship with the royal institution changed. Privacy and security have remained important issues for the couple, particularly when it comes to their children. A private residence could allow the family to establish a British base while maintaining a degree of separation from official royal life.
The reported move also comes against the backdrop of renewed speculation about Harry’s relationship with members of the royal family. In recent years, there have been repeated reports suggesting that the Duke has wanted to rebuild connections with his relatives. His return to Britain could make regular family contact easier, although there has been no indication that the move means Harry and Meghan are seeking to return to their former roles within the monarchy.
The distinction between returning to Britain and returning to royal duties is important. Reports indicate that Harry and Meghan are expected to remain private individuals rather than become working members of the royal family again. Their relocation would therefore not automatically represent a formal reconciliation with the institution. Instead, it appears to be a personal and family decision that could allow them to live closer to Harry’s relatives while continuing to maintain their independent professional lives.
Harry is expected to continue focusing on charitable activities, including his association with the Invictus Games, an initiative he has remained closely connected with since stepping away from royal duties. The organisation has become one of the most recognisable parts of his public work and focuses on supporting wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans through sport and community. A stronger presence in Britain could potentially make it easier for Harry to participate in events and charitable commitments connected to his UK-based activities.
Meghan, meanwhile, is expected to continue pursuing her own professional projects. Her lifestyle and media work have developed considerably since the couple moved to the United States, and the reported relocation does not appear to signal an end to those activities. Instead, she could continue managing her brand and other projects while living in Britain. The move would therefore allow both members of the couple to maintain their individual careers rather than returning to the traditional working royal structure they previously occupied.
The family’s reported decision also follows several recent visits to Britain. Earlier this year, Harry and Meghan travelled to the UK with Archie and Lilibet for events connected with the Invictus Games. During the visit, the family reportedly spent private time with King Charles and Queen Camilla. Harry also took his children to a location associated with his late mother, Princess Diana, giving Archie and Lilibet an opportunity to connect with an important part of their family history.
