Prince Harry and Meghan plan UK return after six years in California

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are relocating to the United Kingdom by the end of August, marking a significant return after more than six years in California. The couple plans to move to a private, non-royal residence located outside London, where their children will begin attending British schools in September.

Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, have been enrolled in a British school for the autumn term. The relocation represents an extended move rather than a temporary visit, though the family will retain their $14.5 million home in Montecito, California, and their vacation property in Portugal.

King Charles III was informed of the decision on Sunday, August 16, according to sources cited by The New York Times. The move was not discussed during the family's visit to the United Kingdom in July, when they saw the King at his Highgrove home. Prince William and Princess Catherine were also notified of the plans. According to reports, King Charles is reportedly pleased with the decision and welcomes the opportunity to spend more time with the Sussex family in a private and personal capacity.

Harry and Meghan departed the United Kingdom in 2020 after stepping back from senior royal duties in January of that year. In their initial statement, they said the geographic change would "enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity." They stated they were working to become financially independent from the royal institution.

The couple will maintain their status as non-working members of the royal family. A palace source confirmed that King Charles is clear the couple's role and status as private individuals will not change, and there are currently no plans for either Harry or Meghan to resume active royal duties.

The relocation comes amid longstanding tensions within the royal family. Prince William continues to refuse to communicate with his younger brother, and there is little likelihood that his children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—will see their cousins following the move. In a March 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan discussed her experience within the royal institution, describing feeling unsupported and isolated during her time as a working royal, and speaking of experiencing suicidal ideation.

The Sussexes' return to Britain also places them closer to extended family members. Princess Eugenie, Harry's first cousin, lives part-time in Portugal with her husband Jack Brooksbank and their daughter Adelaide.