Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have relocated to the United Kingdom for an extended stay, with sources citing a desire to be closer to King Charles and to ensure their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, build relationships with family.
The decision to leave their Montecito, California, home comes weeks after a July reunion with King Charles. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex plan to remain in the U.K. for a significant period, though not permanently, according to sources close to the couple.
One royal insider stated that King Charles is a primary reason for their return. Prince Harry has previously expressed concern about his father's health, noting in May that he was unsure how much longer his father would be around. King Charles, who is undergoing cancer treatment, is 77 years old.
Beyond their relationship with the King, Harry and Meghan reportedly wish for their children to connect with cousins and other relatives. This marks a shift from their life in California, where they have been raising their two children. Prince Archie is 7 and Princess Lilibet is 5.
However, significant family rifts appear to persist. Prince William, the heir to the throne, reportedly refuses to speak with his younger brother, and it is considered unlikely that his children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis – will interact with Archie and Lilibet.
Despite the move, the Sussexes will retain their $14.5 million home in Montecito. Security for the family remains a key concern for Prince Harry. He has been in a protracted dispute with the British Home Office regarding security provisions, which are typically afforded to working royals. During a July visit to England with his wife and children, inadequate security measures prevented him from bringing them for the entirety of the week.
Prince Harry has stated in the past that he could not envision bringing his wife and children back to the UK under such security circumstances. He is currently awaiting a review of his security by the Government committee Ravec.
The couple are reportedly maintaining close ties with Harry's cousin, Princess Eugenie, and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, who also have young children. Eugenie recently welcomed her third child, daughter Adelaide.
