Harry and Meghan Move Back to the UK

The Sussexes are coming home. In a surprise announcement on Wednesday, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle revealed that they are relocating back to the U.K. for an “extended period” along with their two young children, after having spent six years in California.

Considering the couple’s dramatic exit from royal life in 2020, there is speculation about how England—and their family—will receive them. Reports indicate that King Charles was only informed of their decision this past Sunday. Their visit to the U.K. in July marked a turning point, with Harry and Meghan spending time with the King and meeting family members of Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana, including those who interacted with their children for the first time.

Sky News royal reporter Laura Bundock commented on their July trip, saying, “I think they had a really good trip here in the summer. Harry isn’t homesick, but I certainly think he wants his kids to understand more about British history and his homeland.” Notably, education was a driving factor in their move, as Archie and Lilibet have been enrolled in schools in the U.K., with a need to settle before the start of the new school term, which typically begins mid-September.

King Charles is welcoming the move, hoping to spend more time with Harry and his family, but it reportedly came as a surprise to him, as he was not involved in the decision-making process. The King has been undergoing treatment for cancer since 2024, although he is said to be progressing well. Harry has previously expressed the desire for reconciliation with his father, stating, “I don’t know how much longer my father has.”

The relationship between Harry and his brother, Prince William, presents a different challenge. Following the publication of Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” and a controversial interview with Oprah Winfrey, their relationship has reportedly deteriorated. Bundock suggests, “Their friendship circles and acquaintances overlap to some extent. But I think to say that this is a moment of great reconciliation between those feuding brothers is far from reality.”

In their announcement, Harry and Meghan clarified that they would not be returning to their royal duties while living in the U.K.; instead, they would live as private citizens. They plan to continue their work with Archewell Productions and Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever, remaining based in America yet potentially expanding their operations internationally. The couple will not sell their Montecito home, allowing for a possible future return to California.

Bundock commented on their philanthropic engagements in the U.K., pointing out that it may appear as though Harry is still engaging in royal duties. She noted, “When you’re looking at Harry, for example, on an Invictus [Games] engagement, it looks, to all intents and purposes, like a royal engagement. He is still a member of the royal family. He’s just not a working royal.” This situation could create tension among the senior royals as they coordinate their schedules to prevent overshadowing one another.

The couple’s initial move to California was influenced by their Hollywood aspirations, yet Archewell Productions, including their Netflix deal, has faced scrutiny in recent years. Although their contract remains secure, reports indicate waning enthusiasm within the organization, stating, “The mood in the building is, ‘We’re done.’” Additionally, lucrative opportunities have dwindled, including a $20 million Spotify deal that produced just one episode.

Last year, Harry lost a legal battle seeking increased security measures in the U.K. He remarked to the BBC, “I can’t see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the U.K. at this point.” However, circumstances seem to have changed. U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham weighed in, stating he was not privy to any discussions about security, which is managed by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee. “It’s a matter for Harry and for Meghan, and we wish them well in the move that they are making,” Burnham remarked.

Bundock highlighted that Harry and Meghan’s public airing of grievances has not helped their situation. From the Oprah interview to their six-part Netflix series and Harry’s memoir, they shared intimately personal details about royal life, which have led to significant mistrust and suspicion among the family and the public. “The way they’ve aired these very personal grievances so publicly caused absolutely catastrophic problems and created such suspicion and mistrust, not just within the family but within the wider public as well,” she stated. “So they’ve got work to do, winning over everyone.”