The recent decision by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to resettle in Britain has fueled speculation in the United States, with some interpreting it as a sign of King Charles III's declining health. However, sources close to the royal family indicate this is not the case, emphasizing that the King, who is undergoing cancer treatment, remains engaged in his duties.
The couple is reportedly preparing to leave California before the end of the month, with plans to establish a private residence outside London, possibly in the Cotswolds. Their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, are slated to begin attending British schools in September. This move comes as the King's principal private secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, prepares to resign in May, a departure noted by observers given Prince Harry's past criticism of Alderton, whom he identified as 'the Wasp' in his memoir 'Spare.'
While the decision for the children to enroll in British schools requires a formal process, including registration and groundwork, reports suggest the King was informed on Sunday, leaving him with little room for further decisions. The Palace is said to be managing the situation quietly. It is understood that King Charles is supportive of seeing more of his grandchildren. For Harry and Meghan, their status as private individuals and non-working royals remains unchanged, with no resumption of official duties.
This potential relocation follows a private family meeting at Highgrove in July, where King Charles reunited with Archie and Lilibet for the first time since 2022. Although characterized as a private family occasion, the possibility of the move being discussed was widely considered likely, despite reports to the contrary.
Prince Harry had previously expressed in May 2023 his uncertainty about a future that would bring his wife and children back to Britain, particularly after losing an appeal concerning police protection. Fifteen months later, the situation appears to have shifted.
Sources suggest that having Prince Harry based in Britain allows for a degree of oversight, framing the alternative as a potential constitutional issue with two separate royal operations. Archie, seventh in line to the throne, and Lilibet, sixth, along with their father, fifth in line, require adequate security, which a defined working role could theoretically address.
Starting in September, Archie will transition from an American schoolboy to a student in a British classroom, a move that could foster familiarity with the institution he is theoretically positioned to serve. This familiarity is seen as crucial for the monarchy.
Meanwhile, Prince William and Catherine continue their public engagements. The prospect of Harry also working in Britain, even independently, raises questions about the dynamic between the siblings. William reportedly faces significant decisions regarding the future of the monarchy, with the upcoming Christmas period seen as a public test. The possibility of Harry attending events like the traditional walk to church at Sandringham presents a dilemma: excluding him could appear uncharitable, while including him might seem to negate the past six years of estrangement.
Recalling a moment of unity, Harry, Meghan, William, and Catherine walked together outside Windsor Castle four days after Queen Elizabeth II's death on September 10, 2022. Catherine reportedly described this event as 'the hardest thing I've ever had to do.'
The path to reconciliation is seen as requiring efforts from both parties. Notably, Prince Harry's memoir 'Spare' contained critical remarks about Queen Camilla. Observers suggest that for the monarchy to unite, Prince Harry would need to offer apologies to his father, brother, and the British public, a step considered unlikely given his past conduct but essential for familial and national reconciliation. The existing terms of the Sussexes' departure from royal duties in 2020 remain in place.