Prince Harry and Meghan will move back to the United Kingdom later this month after six years in California.
British media and a royal expert have described the return as “surprising”. The move marks a major shift for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex since they stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
The BBC reported that the couple plan to settle in a private, non-royal residence outside London. Their children, seven-year-old Prince Archie and five-year-old Princess Lilibet, have already enrolled at a British school ahead of the new academic year in September.
Return after years abroad
Harry and Meghan relocated to California in 2020 after stepping down as senior royals. Growing tensions within the royal family and intense media scrutiny followed their decision.
British tabloids later dubbed their departure “Megxit”. Harry’s memoir “Spare” and the couple’s interview with Oprah Winfrey followed their move. Both events further strained relations within the royal family.
According to the BBC, the Sussexes visited King Charles at his Highgrove residence in July. It marked the first time the monarch had seen his grandchildren in person in more than four years.
The palace described the gathering as a “private family occasion”.
Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, also know about the family’s relocation plans. However, William and Harry have remained estranged for years.
Security remains unresolved
The move comes despite Harry’s long-running concerns about security in Britain.
The duke previously said he did not feel safe bringing his wife and children to the United Kingdom. He made the comments after losing a legal battle over government-funded police protection.
Following reports of the relocation, a Home Office spokesperson said Britain’s protective security arrangements are “rigorous and proportionate”. The Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC) makes decisions about security, according to the BBC.
The family’s security arrangements remain undisclosed. Royal commentator Robert Hardman told the BBC that some issues surrounding their protection might “have been resolved”. However, it remains unclear who would cover the costs.
Fresh chapter
Harry has previously expressed his desire to reconcile with his father. King Charles has been undergoing cancer treatment since his diagnosis two years ago, although the type of cancer remains undisclosed.
King Charles III learned about their planned move on Sunday. AFP reported that he welcomes the opportunity to spend more time with his son and grandchildren in a private capacity.
However, the couple’s status remains unchanged. They have no plans to resume their roles as working members of the royal family.
The Sussexes are expected to keep their home in Montecito, California, as well as a property in Portugal, according to The Sun.
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