Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have dropped several indications of a potential return to the United Kingdom for an extended period, with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. This comes six years after they relinquished their royal duties and relocated to California.
Recent actions and statements point towards a possible shift. In May 2025, Prince Harry expressed a desire for reconciliation with his estranged family, including his father, King Charles III, and brother, Prince William. He stated in a BBC News interview that he wanted to move past disagreements, acknowledging that while some family members might not forgive him for his past disclosures, such as his memoir "Spare," there was "no point in continuing to fight." Harry also referenced his father's health, noting that "life is precious."
Further contributing to speculation, Harry reportedly discussed a feeling of being "drawn to come back" to England with singer Joss Stone in September 2025. Stone, who had recently moved back to the UK herself, mentioned that Harry inquired about settling back into England and noted the perceived quality of schools and the importance of community for children.
Prince Harry also penned an essay for Remembrance Day in November 2025, expressing a deep connection to Britain. He wrote, "Though currently, I may live in the United States, Britain is, and always will be, the country I proudly served and fought for," reflecting on his ten-year military service. He also conveyed affection for aspects of British culture.
A notable visual cue appeared in June 2026, when a photo shared for Father's Day showed Prince Archie wearing an England soccer T-shirt. Archie had lived in the UK for his first year, while his younger sister, Lilibet, was born and raised in California.
In July 2026, the couple and their children visited King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House, the King's country estate. This marked the first meeting between Charles and his daughter-in-law and grandchildren in four years. Although details of the meeting remain private, a source described the gathering as "wasn't entirely warm and fuzzy."
During that same July visit, Meghan Markle shared images of Archie and Lilibet at Althorp, the childhood home of Princess Diana. Diana is buried on the Althorp estate.
On a July 13 podcast appearance, Harry referred to his roles as "Prince of England" and "Duke," alongside "full-time dad" and "British Army veteran."
Additionally, Prince Harry was seen wearing an England soccer jersey and speaking with Page Six at the TIME100 Sports Gala on July 16, shortly after England's World Cup semi-final loss. His wife, Meghan Markle, was seen wearing diamond and sapphire earrings belonging to Princess Diana at a gala in Canada less than two weeks before news of their potential extended stay in the UK became public. David Foster, who hosted the Canadian gala, had previously facilitated a getaway for the couple in late 2019.