Prince Harry, Meghan Markle reportedly set for unexpected move back to the UK with their children

LONDON, ENGLAND: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly moving back to Britain with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet for an extended period beginning this month, marking their biggest shift in family life since stepping away from royal duties in 2020.

The children are set to begin school there in September, PEOPLE reported, while the couple will maintain their homes in Montecito, California, and Portugal as they establish a private, non-royal home base in Britain.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s UK return

The location of the family’s new home and the children’s school are being closely guarded.

The move gives Harry and Meghan their first home base in Britain since they relinquished the lease on Frogmore Cottage, the Windsor residence gifted to them by the late Queen Elizabeth.

King Charles asked them to vacate the property in 2023 following the publication of Harry’s memoir, 'Spare.'

King Charles was made aware of the couple’s plans on Sunday, August 16, and welcomes the opportunity to see more of the Sussex family privately. 

However, there will be no change to the duo’s status as private individuals and non-working members of the royal family. Those close to the Sussexes believe they have successfully executed the “half in, half out” model they proposed in 2019.

With a base in Britain, he will be able to spend more time with 'Scotty’s Little Soldiers,' 'WellChild' and the 'Invictus' community, while she continues leading 'As Ever' and pursuing future projects.

Allies believe the couple have built the independent life they envisioned while supporting themselves financially and relying on no taxpayer funding.

The move also indicates that Harry believes his family’s long-running security concerns have reached a point where he feels comfortable basing Meghan and their children in Britain.

He has continued his legal battle over the loss of taxpayer-funded police protection and has argued that the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) should conduct a fresh risk assessment.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal tensions

Harry was already expected in Britain in September for 'WellChild' engagements and events connected to the 'Invictus Games,' including the inaugural 'Invictus Spirit Awards and gala.'

Security has remained an obstacle since the former royals stepped back from their duties.

The Sussexes left Britain in 2020 amid a strained relationship with the royal family, particularly Prince William. Tensions deepened after their Oprah Winfrey interview, their docuseries and Harry’s memoir, 'Spare.'

While Harry has gradually repaired his relationship with King Charles, his relationship with William remains distant, with “no contact.” He previously expressed hope for reconciliation, saying, “I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore."

The couple have also faced public tension with President Donald Trump, while those close to Harry believe his recent Birmingham visit strengthened his conviction that the public appreciates Meghan.

Harry may have hinted at the family’s plans in 2025 when singer Joss Stone recalled his interest in her decision to move her family back to Britain. He was particularly curious about what the move meant for her children and their schools.

The Sussexes have longtime friends in Britain, while Meghan remains close to her college friend Lindsay Jill Roth. They also remain close to Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, who divide their time between Britain and Portugal.