Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to return to the United Kingdom, bringing their family back after residing in California for the past three years. Their children, Prince Archie, aged 7, and Princess Lilibet, aged 5, are preparing to start school in the UK this September, although the specifics of their new home and the school remain undisclosed.
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This move marks a significant point in the couple’s journey since they stepped back from royal duties in early 2020. At that time, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had announced their intention to take on a less active role in the royal family, seeking to establish a more independent life. Despite their return to Britain, it has been made clear that they will not resume any official royal roles or responsibilities.
Insiders have revealed that King Charles III is keen to maintain the status quo regarding Harry and Meghan’s positions as non-working royals. This decision aligns with what the couple desired when they initially stepped back from their roles. Any potential re-engagement with royal duties would need to be discussed directly with the King, indicating that their current status is firmly established.
Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal responsibilities came after a comprehensive period of contemplation and discussions within the family. Their announcement in January 2020 highlighted their intention to pursue greater financial independence while still supporting the monarchy. Following a meeting known as the “Sandringham Summit,” Queen Elizabeth II acknowledged their choice, expressing her understanding of their wish to lead a more autonomous family life.
Since relocating to Montecito, California, the couple has focused on philanthropic ventures through their organisation Archewell Philanthropies. They have also entered deals with entertainment platforms such as Spotify, Netflix, and Lemonada Media. Furthermore, Meghan launched her own lifestyle brand, which is expected to continue thriving alongside their return to the UK.
The timing of their announcement coincides with a recent family gathering, where Harry, Meghan, and their children met King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House. This visit was significant, being the King’s first meeting with his grandchildren in over four years, and marked only the third encounter between him and Harry since learning of his cancer diagnosis in 2024. The palace opted not to disclose any details from the reunion, underscoring a desire for privacy in family matters.
Sources close to the couple have indicated that Harry felt uplifted and energised after this meeting. It seems to have reignited his interest in spending more time in the UK, as he described feeling more positive about his visits being focused on meaningful engagements rather than knowing them overshadowed by legal disputes.
For Harry, the connection to the UK remains strong. An insider noted that he has “always had one foot” in his homeland and is now looking to return more frequently. This desire to reconnect with his family and reduce involvement in ongoing court battles suggests a new chapter for the Duke, who evidently relishes the opportunity to balance his life across both sides of the Atlantic.
As Harry and Meghan prepare for this new phase, the dynamics of their royal ties will be closely monitored. Their ongoing commitment to raising their children with awareness of both royal and independent values continues to generate interest. The contrasts of their lives in California and now back in the UK embody different approaches to their family obligations and public lives.
While further announcements regarding their future plans remain to be seen, the couple’s move back to Britain certainly sets the scene for what could be a transformative period for both their family and their relationship with the royal institution.