King Charles III was informed of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to return to the UK for an extended stay just four days before the announcement, according to sources speaking to Page Six.
The monarch, 77, learned of his son and daughter-in-law's plans on a Sunday, with the news confirmed publicly on Wednesday. Harry and Meghan did not disclose their intentions to Charles when they reunited at his country home, Highgrove House, in July.
The couple made the decision to leave their California residence earlier this month, weeks after their meeting with Charles. Despite the timing of the revelation, sources claim Charles is looking forward to spending more time with the Sussexes and their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, during their upcoming visit.
"I know that Charles is the reason they are moving back," a royal source stated.
Harry, 41, and Markle, 45, previously stepped down from their roles as working members of the British royal family in 2020, a move widely dubbed "Megxit," and subsequently relocated to Montecito, California. They plan to retain their $14.5 million estate there despite their temporary move abroad.
Charles, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment, had extended an invitation to the Sussexes to visit Highgrove House last month, marking the first time he had seen Archie and Lilibet in four years. Queen Camilla also participated in the reunion.
During Harry's week-long visit to England, Markle and their children joined him for only a portion of the trip, reportedly due to being denied taxpayer-funded UK security. The couple confirmed their return to the UK to be closer to Charles, who is undergoing cancer treatment.
Sources close to the Sussexes clarified that their plan is to stay in the UK for an extended period, not permanently. This move comes amidst ongoing estrangement between Harry and his brother, Prince William, who reportedly has had limited contact with his younger sibling since Harry's public disclosures about family matters in interviews and a Netflix docuseries.
Royal reporter Tom Sykes commented to Page Six that the Sussexes' impending return to the UK presents "a huge slap in the face for William," who is next in line for the throne after Charles. Sykes also suggested the move could create significant challenges for the Prince of Wales.