Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to relocate family back to UK

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are relocating back to the UK, with King Charles III informed of the plans over the weekend, according to reports. The couple, who have resided in California since 2020, will move to a private residence outside London later this month, with their children, Archie and Lilibet, set to begin classes at a British school in September. The decision, confirmed by multiple outlets, is a notable shift in the couple’s relationship with the monarchy and their public lives.

King Charles Informed of Relocation Over Weekend

The news of the move was first shared with King Charles III on Sunday, August 16, 2026, according to the Daily Telegraph. This revelation comes despite the couple’s recent visit to the UK in July, during which the king and queen hosted them at Highgrove House. The family gathering, their first in four years, did not include discussions about the relocation, as the couple had kept the decision private until recently. The king, who has been undergoing treatment for an unspecified form of cancer since 2024, has expressed openness to spending more time with the Sussex family in a personal capacity.

Public Reactions and Criticism

Following the announcement, critics on both sides of the Atlantic weighed in on the couple’s decision. Piers Morgan, a vocal critic of Meghan Markle, tweeted a hand-on-face emoji and quipped, “May have to emigrate to the U.S.” Meghan McCain, a U.S. conservative commentator, accused the couple of being “entitled grifters” and suggested Americans “don’t give a s–t about d list royals.” British columnist Allison Pearson questioned how the couple’s return would align with the royal family’s dynamics, noting their prior criticisms of the UK and the potential for tension with Prince William and the Princess of Wales.

Security Concerns and Legal Context

The couple’s return to the UK raises unresolved questions about security. Prince Harry has long emphasized the lack of protection for his family due to their non-working status. In May 2025, he stated he could not bring his family back to the UK without police protection, citing a legal challenge over security. Last month, the Duke of Sussex and six other co-claimants lost a privacy case against the publishers of the Daily Mail, with their claims dismissed by a court. Despite these concerns, the couple plans to retain their homes in Montecito, California, and Portugal, alongside their new residence in the UK.

Analysis of the American Experiment

Commentators have scrutinized the couple’s six-year stint in the U.S., with a Newsweek article suggesting their move back to the UK was inevitable. The piece argued their fame relied on their proximity to the British monarchy, an institution Americans could not otherwise access. As their ties to royal life diminished, the novelty of their story waned, making their return to the UK a logical step. The article noted that their media ventures, including Netflix’s “Harry & Meghan” documentary, capitalized on their royal connections, which became harder to sustain as their distance from the monarchy grew.

Continued Non-Royal Status and Future Plans

The couple has reiterated their commitment to remaining non-royal, with Buckingham Palace confirming they will not resume official duties. Harry is expected to continue leading the Invictus Games, set to be held in Birmingham in 2027, while Meghan will manage her As Ever lifestyle brand. The couple’s spokespersons have not commented publicly, leaving many details of the relocation unverified beyond media reports. The absence of an official statement from the monarchy reflects the delicate nature of the situation, as the family navigates the couple’s return without formal reintegration.

Family Reunions and Unanswered Questions

The couple’s recent visit to the UK included a reunion with King Charles and Queen Camilla, their first in four years. The trip also featured a visit to Princess Diana’s childhood home, highlighting the family’s ongoing connection to their heritage. However, the move raises unresolved questions about the future of Harry and Meghan’s relationship with the royal family. While the couple has expressed a desire for closer ties with the king, their continued emphasis on privacy and non-royal status suggests they remain cautious about reengaging with formal duties.