Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly preparing to leave the United States and move back to Britain later this month, settling into a private residence outside London. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have already enrolled their children, Prince Archie, aged 7, and Princess Lilibet, aged 5, in British schools for the upcoming academic term, according to a report by The Telegraph.
King Charles Informed of Relocation Plans
King Charles III was first informed of the relocation plans on Sunday, according to the report. The matter was not raised or discussed during the family's visit to the United Kingdom in July. The King welcomes the opportunity to see more of the Sussex family in a private and personal capacity.
However, King Charles has made it clear that there will be no change to the Duke and Duchess's status. They will remain private individuals and non-working members of the Royal Family.
Background of the Sussexes' Departure from the UK
The couple, who currently reside in California, left the UK for North America in 2020 after stepping back from royal duties, which led to a public falling out with the royal family. At the time, Harry and Meghan cited intense tabloid intrusion, online abuse, complex family dynamics, and institutional friction within Britain as primary reasons for their departure.
In the years following their departure, Harry has made several return trips to the UK. These include attending the funeral of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 2022, and the coronation of King Charles III the following year. His visit in September last year marked his first in-person meeting with his father in 19 months.
July Visit and Family Gathering at Highgrove House
During the Sussex family's visit in July, King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted Harry, Meghan, and their children at Highgrove House, the King's private country residence in Gloucestershire. The gathering marked the first time in four years that the monarch had seen the entire family in person.
Harry's July trip also coincided with several charity engagements, including marking the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games—the Paralympic-style competition for injured service members and military veterans that he founded over a decade ago. The reported relocation represents a significant shift for the family, who have been based in California since 2020.
