Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to return to the United Kingdom, bringing their children back to their father’s homeland after spending the last six years in the United States. The couple, who stepped back from their royal duties in early 2020, will relocate to the UK for an extended period, as reported by PEOPLE magazine in August 2026.
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The couple’s elder child, Prince Archie, was born in the UK in May 2019, but his time there was brief. Just months after his birth, Prince Harry and Meghan moved to North America, initially starting in Canada before settling in California. Their younger child, Princess Lilibet, was born in June 2021 in California and only visited the UK for the first time during the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in June 2022.
The children’s upcoming transition to the UK marks a significant change for the family, particularly since Archie and Lilibet have only visited Prince Harry’s home country a couple of times in the past six years. A spokesperson for the family has remained tight-lipped regarding security concerns for the family, which have been a point of contention since their departure from royal duties. The couple’s previous arrangements for royal security were altered, and they no longer have automatic access to taxpayer-funded police protection in the UK.
As the family prepares for this new chapter, Archie and Lilibet are expected to attend school in the UK starting next month. Their initial visit included a memorable reunion with King Charles, who met his granddaughter Lilibet for the first time during the Jubilee celebrations. The visit took on an additional weight as it would also be the late Queen Elizabeth II’s last encounter with her great-grandchildren before her passing in September 2022.
In his memoir, “Spare,” Prince Harry fondly recalls the charming interactions between his children and the late Queen, noting Archie’s respectful bows and Lilibet’s playful nature as she cuddled against the Queen’s legs. It was a poignant moment, reflecting the blend of family ties and royal expectations.
The Sussex family also reunited with King Charles and Queen Camilla in July 2026 at Highgrove House. This visit was particularly special, as it marked the monarch’s first encounter with Archie and Lilibet in four years. Royal commentator Catherine Mayer highlighted the deeply human aspect of the monarchy, emphasising that beneath the institution lies a family that has had to navigate various challenges.
During this summer visit, Harry and Meghan took their children to Althorp, the childhood home of Princess Diana and her final resting place. The outing resonated with significant emotional weight for the family, reflecting their connection to Diana’s legacy amid the complexities of their royal history.
As Prince Harry and Meghan prepare to move back to the UK, it signals a thoughtful decision for their family dynamic. The couple aims to provide their children with a substantial connection to their British heritage while tackling their responsibilities as parents. It remains to be seen how their relocation will shape their public engagements and interactions with the royal family moving forward.
The upcoming months are set to bring considerable adjustments for Archie and Lilibet as they settle into life in the UK. With schooling on the horizon and the spectre of security concerns lingering, the family’s transition embodies both new beginnings and the complexities of their previous royal life. As they embark on this fresh chapter, the world will be watching to see how the Sussexes navigate their dual identities as both private citizens and members of the royal family.