Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly preparing to spend an extended period in the United Kingdom, bringing Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet closer to their father’s home country as the children prepare to begin at a new school in September.
Although the Sussexes’ return may appear sudden, reports suggest the idea has been under discussion privately for years. According to The Times, Harry and Meghan had been considering a move back to Britain for a couple of years, but they could not make their plans official until they knew whether their children had secured places at a particular school.
That decision reportedly became the final piece of the puzzle.
A source close to the couple told The Times that the Sussexes had to wait for confirmation of their children’s school places before committing to their plans. The source reportedly stressed that the school followed its normal admissions process and that the family did not receive preferential treatment because of their royal connections.
The school itself has not been publicly identified, nor has the private property outside London where Harry, Meghan and their children are expected to stay.
Archie, who is seven, and Lilibet, who is five, are reportedly expected to attend as day pupils rather than boarders. Their arrangements will therefore differ from those of their cousin Prince George, who is due to begin boarding at Eton College in September. Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are also understood to attend school as day pupils.
For Harry, the prospect of spending more time in Britain could also mean reconnecting with some of the activities he enjoyed growing up. The Times reported that he is keen for Archie to participate in sports such as rugby and cricket, while Harry himself reportedly hopes to attend more rugby matches during his time in the country.
The decision has nevertheless attracted considerable attention because of the Sussexes’ complicated relationship with the United Kingdom and other members of the Royal Family.
Harry and Meghan left Britain as working royals in 2020 and subsequently established their main home in Montecito, California. Their decision to spend significant time back in Britain therefore represents a notable change, even if the move is not intended to be permanent.
Reports suggest that only a small group of people knew about the plans before they became public. The Times claimed Harry had spoken about the possibility of returning often enough in recent months that it had become something of an inside joke among people around him.
Several factors are reportedly behind the timing.
The children’s schooling appears to have been one of the biggest considerations, while Meghan may also have an acting opportunity in Britain. Family connections have reportedly played a role as well, with Harry remaining close to members of his late mother Princess Diana’s Spencer family.
Howver, the move does not appear to signal a reconciliation between Harry and his elder brother, Prince William.
According to reports, the brothers remain estranged, with no clear indication that their relationship is improving. A royal source described William’s relationship with Harry as remaining in “cold storage,” while Diana biographer Andrew Morton has previously suggested that William was deeply hurt by the events surrounding Harry’s departure from royal life and his subsequent public revelations.
King Charles, meanwhile, was reportedly the first member of the Royal Family to be formally informed about the Sussexes’ decision.
Harry and Meghan are said to have researched potential schools and properties as early as May. Their plans reportedly became more serious after the family visited King Charles at Highgrove in July.
Although Charles was reportedly told about the move before it was publicly announced, royal editor Emily Nash suggested that the king may have known for some time that a return was being considered.
Speaking on the “A Right Royal Podcast,” Nash questioned whether the conversation with Charles was truly the first time he had heard about the possibility, suggesting that the Sussexes may have discussed the idea with him earlier before presenting their final decision.
The timing is particularly important because Archie and Lilibet are due to begin their new school shortly. With the academic year approaching, the family had little room to delay their decision once the school arrangements were confirmed.
Importantly, the Sussexes’ U.K. return is not being described as a permanent relocation.
Sources close to the couple reportedly believe they could remain in Britain for six months, a year or potentially longer, while still keeping their Montecito property. The family also reportedly retains a holiday home in Portugal.
That leaves open the possibility that Harry and Meghan could eventually consider spending time in other countries as well.
For now, however, Britain appears to be the next chapter for the Sussex family.
One longtime friend of Harry reportedly emphasized his enduring affection for the country, saying the duke has frequently spoken about how much he loves Britain and wants his children to develop the same connection to his homeland.
The reported move therefore appears to be driven by several overlapping factors rather than a single royal development: the children’s education, potential professional opportunities for Meghan, Harry’s continuing ties to Britain and the family connections that remain important to him.
Whether the Sussexes’ extended stay eventually becomes a permanent return remains uncertain. For the moment, the family appears to be taking the opportunity to spend more time in the country Harry has continued to regard as home.
Key Takeaways
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had reportedly discussed a possible U.K. return for several years.
- Their plans were only finalized after Archie and Lilibet’s school arrangements were confirmed.
- The Sussex children are expected to attend a U.K. school as day pupils from September.
- King Charles was reportedly informed about the move before the news became public.
- The return is not necessarily permanent, with sources suggesting the family could remain in Britain for an extended period rather than relocate forever.
