Earl Spencer, Prince Harry's uncle, was prepared to offer the Duke and Duchess of Sussex a home on the 13,000-acre Althorp estate, the Spencer family's ancestral seat, but the couple had already made other arrangements for their UK residence. A source close to Earl Spencer stated that if Harry had requested a property at Althorp, his uncle would have assisted, but the Duke "has made his own plans."
The Mail on Sunday has learned that Earl Spencer was unaware of the Sussexes' imminent plans to move back to the UK, with the first indication of their intentions reportedly coming from newspaper reports. This comes despite recent social media posts from the Duchess of Sussex that showed Prince Harry, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet enjoying time at Althorp.
In photographs shared on Instagram, the family was seen walking on the estate grounds, with Prince Harry and his son carrying bouquets thought to have been laid at the grave of Princess Diana, who is buried at Althorp. Other images depicted Harry playing with his daughter by a pool, while Meghan swam in the background.
These images had previously fueled speculation, with royal biographer Tina Brown suggesting in an article that Charles Spencer would likely offer a house at Althorp. However, a source close to the Earl refuted this, emphasizing that Harry had not made such a request.
Sources indicate that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are instead looking at a property in the Cotswolds as their UK base. It has been suggested that Meghan may have visited schools in the area during a previous trip when Prince Harry attended an Invictus Games event in July. Reports also suggest the couple might be considering a home owned by a celebrity in the Cotswolds.
This situation echoes a past offer made by Earl Spencer to Princess Diana. After her marriage breakdown with the then-Prince Charles, he offered her the use of Wormleighton Manor, a 16th-century property in Warwickshire. However, Diana declined the offer.
Prince Harry has maintained a close relationship with his uncle since his and Meghan's decision in 2020 to step back from senior royal duties and relocate to North America. He has visited Althorp, his mother's childhood home and resting place, on several occasions in recent years.