Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly planning a return to the United Kingdom for an extended stay, with their children, Archie and Lilibet, slated to begin their education at a British school. This move marks a full circle for the couple, who departed royal life and relocated to California in 2020.
While the couple will be back in the UK, sources indicate they will not be rejoining the royal fold as working members of the monarchy and will reside in a private residence. The decision to return to Britain comes amid speculation about the end of lucrative media deals, financial pressures, public relations challenges, and strained relationships within Hollywood.
A Look Back at Six Years Since Stepping Back from Royal Duties
Since their announcement in January 2020 to step back from senior royal roles and pursue financial independence, Harry and Meghan have navigated a series of significant life events and professional endeavors. Following discussions with senior members of the royal family, the couple relinquished their 'Royal Highness' titles and concluded their official engagements in March 2020, moving to Montecito, California.
Their time in the United States has included high-profile media ventures. In September 2020, Netflix announced a multi-year deal with the couple to produce a range of content. The following year, Meghan publicly shared her experience of miscarriage in November 2020. By December 2020, they had also signed a deal with Spotify for their production company, Archewell Audio.
Key Moments and Public Engagements
In February 2021, the couple announced they were expecting their second child. Shortly after, Buckingham Palace confirmed their permanent departure as working royals, revoking their royal patronages. During a March 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan spoke about experiencing racism within the royal household, and Harry expressed feeling let down by his father and distanced from his brother.
The birth of their daughter, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, occurred in June 2021. The couple returned to the UK in June 2022 for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, with Lilibet celebrating her first birthday in Britain. They were also in the UK in September 2022 following the Queen's death, attending funeral services and related events.
December 2022 saw the release of the Netflix docuseries "Harry & Meghan," chronicling their relationship and departure from royal life. Harry's memoir, "Spare," published in January 2023, offered personal insights into his upbringing and experiences. In May 2023, Harry attended King Charles III's coronation, seated separately from senior working royals.
The couple's relationship with Spotify concluded in June 2023. In early 2024, Harry visited Britain to see his father following King Charles's cancer diagnosis. Later that month, they attended Invictus Games training events in Whistler, British Columbia. In May 2024, the couple undertook a three-day visit to Nigeria.
More recently, in March 2025, Meghan's lifestyle show "With Love, Meghan" premiered on Netflix, receiving mixed reviews. The same month, Harry announced his departure from the charity Sentebale, citing a breakdown in his relationship with the board's chair, Dr. Sophie Chandauka, who in turn alleged bullying and misogyny. The Charity Commission later found no evidence of widespread bullying but criticized both parties for the public dispute.
In April 2025, Meghan launched her lifestyle brand, As Ever, which saw its initial product collection sell out quickly. The brand later expanded to include alcoholic beverages in June 2025. In April 2026, the couple visited Australia, and in July 2026, they stayed on the Scottish island Tanera Mor. During this period, they also had a meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla at their Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire, marking the first in-person meeting between Harry and his father in four years.
Despite their activities and ventures, the Sussexes' return to the UK signifies a new chapter, with their children's education becoming a central focus.