The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are preparing to relocate back to the United Kingdom with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. However, their new living arrangements will not involve any royal residences. The family’s move this month has raised interest, particularly as their children, aged seven and five respectively, are set to begin their schooling in the UK in September.
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Specifics regarding the family’s new home and the children’s educational institution are currently under wraps. Reports suggest that the couple is opting for a residence that does not belong to the royal portfolio. This marks a significant shift away from their previous ties to royal properties, having lived at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor prior to their departure from royal duties in 2020.
Prince Harry and Meghan, who now reside in Montecito, California, are set to maintain their American home along with a vacation property in Portugal. This dual approach allows the family to split their time across continents while maintaining ties to both their British roots and their new Californian lifestyle.
Before moving to Frogmore Cottage, Meghan Markle had settled into Nottingham Cottage on the Kensington Palace grounds following her engagement to Harry. As they welcomed their first child, Archie, their residence expanded to Frogmore, which Queen Elizabeth II had gifted to them in 2018. After extensive renovations, they moved into the property in early 2019.
Despite their relocation to California, Frogmore Cottage remained a significant place for the couple. They utilised it during visits to the UK, including attendance at Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022, which marked the children’s last visit to Britain until their recent reunion with King Charles in July.
However, in March 2023, reports emerged that the couple had been asked to vacate Frogmore Cottage. This decision followed the release of Prince Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” and reportedly left the couple feeling pragmatic about the situation. By June 2023, they officially moved out, with hints that discussions were in progress regarding the future of the property and the considerable renovations made prior to their move in.
Frogmore Cottage, located in Home Park near Windsor Castle, is now the subject of speculation regarding its fate, with potential plans on the table to revert the property to its former state. No specific details have been released about what will transpire next.
The Sussexes purchased their home in Montecito in August 2020, where they enjoy proximity to friends and neighbours such as Oprah Winfrey and David Foster. The tranquil coastal environment and the lifestyle it affords have been showcased through Meghan’s Netflix project, “With Love, Meghan,” although much of it was filmed in a rented house nearby.
Their Montecito residence has featured heavily in Meghan’s personal brand, “As Ever,” which draws inspiration from Californian themes, including local sourcing for products and the aesthetics of the region. Meghan herself described the connecting palm trees in their backyard as representative of their love, indicating the deep personal ties they’ve developed in California.
Despite the move back to the UK, it has been confirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan’s status as private citizens will remain unchanged. King Charles has reportedly made it clear that the couple will not revert to royal duties. Instead, they will continue as non-working members of the royal family, consistent with the agreement made when they stepped back in 2020. This ensures that their new chapter in the UK will not involve a return to formal royal responsibilities, but rather an opportunity to integrate into their new lives while maintaining their independence.