Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, will relocate from California to the United Kingdom this month, with their children, Prince Archie (7) and Princess Lilibet (5), enrolled in British schools for the start of the autumn term in September. The family will reside in a private, non-royal home outside London, according to multiple reports confirmed by The Associated Press. The couple will maintain their homes in Montecito, California, and Portugal, though their status as non-working royals remains unchanged.
King Charles III was informed of the move on Sunday, as reported by the BBC and other outlets. The monarch welcomed the opportunity to see more of his son and grandchildren, though there are no plans for Harry and Meghan to resume royal duties. The Sussexes visited the U.K. in early July, where they met privately with the King at his residence in Highgrove. Prince William and Princess Catherine were also notified of the relocation plans.
The couple, who stepped back from senior royal roles in March 2020, left the U.K. amid a public dispute with the royal family. Their departure followed high-profile interviews, a Netflix documentary, and the publication of Harry’s memoir, Spare, which detailed their strained relationships with other royals. The move comes amid reports of King Charles’s ongoing cancer treatment, though the type of cancer has not been disclosed.
Living Arrangements and Education
The Sussexes will not occupy a royal residence, and their children’s school locations have been kept private. Archie and Lilibet previously attended school near their Montecito home and will now continue their education in Britain. The family’s new residence is reported to be outside London, though the exact location has not been confirmed. A source close to the couple stated that Meghan will continue leading her company, As Ever, from the U.K., while Harry may increase his involvement with U.K.-based charities.
Reconciliation and Family Dynamics
The relocation follows a private meeting between Harry, Meghan, and King Charles in July, described as an effort to rebuild their relationship. The King’s reported desire to see more of his family may have influenced the decision, though no official statements have been issued by Buckingham Palace or the Sussexes’ representatives. Harry has previously expressed a desire for reconciliation with his father, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2024.
The couple’s return to the U.K. does not signal a resumption of royal duties, as confirmed by multiple sources. Their status as non-working royals, agreed upon during their 2020 departure, remains in place. The Sussexes have not publicly commented on the relocation, with Harry declining to address reports during an event in Washington on Wednesday.
Background and Context
Harry and Meghan married in 2018 and stepped away from official duties in 2020, relocating to the U.S. amid what was widely described as a family feud. Their subsequent projects, including a Netflix documentary and Harry’s memoir, further strained relations with the royal family. The couple has since pursued independent ventures, including a Spotify deal and lifestyle content, though these efforts have received mixed reviews.
The Sussexes’ return marks a significant shift in their relationship with the monarchy, though the long-term implications remain unclear. For now, the family’s relocation is framed as a personal decision rather than a political or institutional one.