Prince Harry and Meghan Markle plan return to UK with children

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to return to the United Kingdom this month after nearly six years in the United States, marking a significant shift in their post-royal life. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who stepped down from their roles as senior members of the royal family in 2020, will relocate to a private residence outside London with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The move, first reported by multiple outlets including the BBC and The Daily Telegraph, comes amid ongoing tensions within the royal family and a long-standing dispute over security arrangements.

The couple’s decision to return to the UK follows a July visit to King Charles III at his Highgrove estate, where they met the monarch for the first time in over four years. The meeting, described by Buckingham Palace as a “private family occasion,” was seen as a potential turning point in their strained relationship. However, the planned relocation was not discussed during that visit, according to reports. King Charles was informed of the move, though the exact date is not specified in the sources.

Harry and Meghan’s return will not involve a resumption of official royal duties. The couple, who have since built a private life in California and maintained a presence in the entertainment industry through ventures like their Archewell Foundation, have emphasized their commitment to remaining non-working royals. Their children, Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, are expected to begin attending British schools in September, signaling a formal reintegration into the UK’s educational system.

The Sussexes’ move has sparked renewed interest in their relationship with the monarchy. While King Charles has reportedly welcomed the opportunity to reconnect with his grandchildren, Prince William and Princess Catherine have not been publicly mentioned as part of the couple’s plans. The couple’s last appearance in the UK together was at the 2022 funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, and they have not been seen in the country since.

Security has long been a contentious issue for the Sussexes. Harry’s legal battle over his entitlement to police protection in the UK ended in 2025, when he lost a challenge against a decision to downgrade his security following his departure from royal duties. The July visit to Highgrove, which coincided with the king’s ongoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, was reportedly reconsidered after Harry’s request for enhanced security was denied. Despite this, the couple has continued to navigate their public and private lives with a focus on autonomy.

While the couple’s UK residence will be non-royal, they plan to maintain their California home and a vacation property in Portugal. This arrangement underscores their continued ties to the United States, where they have built a career in media and advocacy. Harry, who has spoken openly about his struggles with mental health and the pressures of royal life, has also been involved in initiatives supporting veterans and mental health awareness.

The return to the UK raises questions about the future of the Sussexes’ relationship with the monarchy. Buckingham Palace has not commented on the move beyond confirming that the couple’s decision does not involve a return to official roles. However, the timing of the announcement—just weeks after Harry’s visit to the king—suggests a cautious approach to reengaging with the royal family. For now, the couple’s focus appears to be on their children’s education and a quieter life, even as their every move remains under public scrutiny.