Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly preparing to return to Britain with their children, six years after leaving royal life for California. Archie and Lilibet are expected to begin school in the UK in September.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex plan to move later this month for an extended period, according to The Telegraph. A source close to the couple confirmed the reports, although Buckingham Palace and Harry’s spokesperson have not commented.
The family will be expected to live in a private home outside of London, not a royal residence. Harry and Meghan will remain non-working royals and reports say they plan to keep their homes in Montecito, California and Portugal.
The move is significant, as Harry has previously said concerns about police protection stopped him bringing his family to Britain. No details have been released on the couple’s security arrangements for the reported move.
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The plans come after a family visit to Britain last month during which King Charles met Archie and Lilibet for the first time since 2022. The king is said to welcome the prospect of seeing more of them, although reports suggest he was only given notice of the move shortly before it became public.
Royal return without royal duties
Harry’s relationship with his father appears to have improved after years of strain, but contact with Prince William is said to remain limited. Harry said in 2025 he wanted reconciliation after losing a legal challenge over the amount of protection he receives in Britain.
The return would mark the end of a six-year chapter in California but not undo the couple’s break with royal life. Since stepping away from royal duties in 2020, the couple have pursued media and business projects, including a Netflix documentary, Meghan’s lifestyle programming and Harry’s bestselling memoir, Spare.
Their enterprises have been hit or miss but have kept the Sussexes firmly in the public eye.
