Prince Harry and Meghan Markle plan return to UK with children

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to return to the UK at the end of August 2026, marking a pivotal shift in their post-Megxit life, according to new reports. The couple, who have lived in California for six years, will relocate to a non-royal residence outside London with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, for an extended period. The decision, confirmed by multiple outlets, comes amid heightened speculation about the motivations behind their move, including an insider’s claim that King Charles III’s current health struggles played a central role.

The palace was made aware of the move, with Harry’s father, King Charles III, notified of the plans. An insider told Page Six, “I know that Charles is the reason they are moving back,” possibly referencing the 77-year-old monarch’s ongoing cancer treatment. Charles, who is undergoing treatment, is said to welcome the opportunity to reconnect with his grandchildren in a private capacity. However, the couple’s status as non-working royals will remain unchanged, with no indication they plan to resume official duties.

Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, will be enrolled in British schools for the upcoming academic year. Hello! reported that both children are already enrolled, with Archie in Year Three and Lilibet in Year One. Their school’s name remains undisclosed due to security concerns, though it is reportedly close to their new non-royal residence in Britain. It is unclear if they will attend Lambrook School with their cousins, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

The couple will maintain their $14 million mansion in Montecito, California, but sources in the Santa Barbara luxury real estate market suggest there have been “rumblings” the property may be sold. The residence costs the couple over $600,000 annually in mortgage payments and taxes alone. Meghan Markle is also expected to travel back to the US to see her mother, Doria Ragland, who lives in Los Angeles.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the BBC that security arrangements for Harry and his family are a “private matter,” adding, “It’s a matter for Harry and for Meghan, and we wish them well in the move that they are making.” The couple’s return to the UK follows a multi-year legal battle over police protection, which Harry lost in May 2025. Since leaving the royal family in 2020, they have been without automatic, taxpayer-funded security.

Royal reporter Tom Sykes told Page Six that Harry’s return risks “serious challenges” for the monarchy, particularly given the longstanding feud between Harry and Prince William. Sykes noted that William’s “forgiveness” for Harry’s past accusations of racism and his 2023 memoir, “Spare,” which alleged a physical altercation, remains uncertain. Royal photographer Arthur Edwards echoed this sentiment, stating, “I am not convinced brother Prince William will be so forgiving.”

The couple will live in a private, non-royal residence outside London, with speculation pointing to the Cotswolds near Highgrove as a potential home. Harry, who knows the area well, is expected to settle into the property by the end of August. They will continue running Archewell Philanthropies, with Harry overseeing the Invictus Games and his role as a patron for the WellChild Awards. Meghan will maintain her lifestyle brand, As Ever, though it is unclear if she will continue appearing in TV and film roles.

The move has reignited discussions about the couple’s strained relationship with William and Catherine, who have not been mentioned in connection to the plans. William, who remains estranged from Harry, has not publicly commented on the relocation. Meanwhile, the Sussexes’ return to the UK underscores their evolving dynamic with the monarchy, balancing personal, familial, and professional priorities while navigating public scrutiny and the complexities of royal family ties.