Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, are reportedly planning to relocate back to the United Kingdom, a move that would mark a significant shift more than six years after they stepped down from their senior royal duties. The couple, who moved to Montecito, California, in 2020 with their two children, Archie and Lilibet, are said to be preparing for a U.K. return this September, according to The Telegraph, which first reported the news.
Neither the Duke and Duchess of Sussex nor their representatives have publicly commented on or confirmed the reported move. It remains unknown where the family of four will reside upon their return to the U.K. Sources indicate the family plans to live in a private residence near London. Harry and Meghan no longer occupy Frogmore Cottage, their former royal residence, having been asked to vacate it in 2023.
Official confirmation has not been issued by Buckingham Palace or Kensington Palace, the respective offices of King Charles III and Prince William. A source familiar with the matter informed ABC News that King Charles was made aware of his son's and daughter-in-law's plans on Sunday, August 16.
The last known visit of the family to the U.K. was in July, when Prince Harry participated in several public engagements. Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet were not publicly seen during that visit. King Charles and Queen Camilla did meet with the entire family during their stay, marking the first time the King and Queen were known to have seen Meghan and their grandchildren since 2022. The Sussexes were not known to have met with Prince William, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, or their three children during this visit.
There are no announced plans for Prince Harry and Meghan to resume their roles as working royals. A source close to the situation stated that King Charles is firm that their status as private individuals and non-working royals will not change, aligning with their previously stated wishes and agreements. When they stepped away from royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan agreed to relinquish their HRH titles, cease representing the monarch, and no longer receive public funds, enabling them to pursue independent financial endeavors.