Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning to spend an extended period in the UK with their children, while keeping their homes abroad.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly preparing for a significant change to their family life. After more than six years based in North America, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are planning to return to the United Kingdom with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, although the move would not mean permanently giving up their current home in California.
According to new reports, the family plans to establish itself in Britain for an extended period, with the children expected to attend school in the UK. Harry and Meghan would, however, retain their home in Montecito, California, as well as their property in Portugal, suggesting a new chapter in which their lives could be divided between several countries.
The potential return is particularly significant after years of tensions between the Sussexes and various members of the British Royal Family. Harry and Meghan stepped back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020, a decision that completely transformed their relationship with the monarchy and opened a new personal and professional chapter.
At the time, the couple explained that they wanted to achieve greater financial independence and divide their time between the UK and North America. They also argued that such an arrangement would allow them to raise their son with an understanding of the royal tradition into which he was born while enjoying greater autonomy as a family.
The years that followed ultimately saw the Sussexes establish their main residence in California. From there, they developed a range of television, business and charitable projects, while their relationship with certain members of the Royal Family went through particularly difficult periods.
Tensions intensified following several public interviews and, most notably, the publication of Spare, Prince Harry’s memoir. The book addressed private episodes involving the institution and devoted considerable attention to his relationship with Prince William, while also including references to Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle.
However, recent months appear to have opened the door to a new chapter. In July, Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet reunited with King Charles III as a family for the first time in several years. The specific details of their conversation remained private, but the meeting immediately sparked speculation about a possible rapprochement.
Now, plans to spend an extended period in the UK could allow King Charles III to spend more time with his grandchildren Archie and Lilibet. According to reports, the monarch was informed of the Sussexes’ plans over the weekend and is said to have reacted positively.
The King reportedly “welcomes the opportunity to see more of the Sussex family in a private and personal capacity”, according to information about his response to the new arrangement.
Any family rapprochement would not, however, alter Harry and Meghan’s institutional position. Both would remain non-working members of the Royal Family and continue to live as private individuals, without resuming the official duties they carried out before stepping back.
That distinction is important because it clearly separates two issues: a possible family reconciliation and any potential return to representing the Crown. For now, only the former appears to be moving forward.
The schooling of Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, is another of the most significant aspects of the reported plans. Spending an extended period in the UK would give the children the opportunity to develop a much closer connection with their British roots and with members of their father’s family.
