Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Settle Into UK Life, Still Awaiting First Meeting With King Charles

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have settled into a new routine in the English countryside following their relocation from California to the Cotswolds, but have not yet seen King Charles, according to sources. The couple moved to England six weeks ago and are said to be in a "honeymoon" phase with their new life.

While Prince Harry has reportedly spoken with his father, King Charles, multiple times via phone, the father and son have not yet met in person. King Charles and Queen Camilla have been vacationing in Scotland and are scheduled to embark on a Caribbean tour on October 27, which could further delay a meeting.

Sources suggest that while there is hope for a closer father-son relationship, the frequent media leaks surrounding their interactions do not help. The recent publication of a book by Prince Harry's uncle, Charles Spencer, about his late sister Diana, has also reportedly caused friction. In the book, Spencer alleges that King Charles told him Diana would be forgotten after her death in 1997, a claim the King's representatives have denied. This is said to have angered the King, particularly as Harry was reportedly with his uncle over the summer.

Prince Harry has spoken openly about the difficulties he experienced after stepping back from royal duties in 2020, describing a significant "adrenaline crash" that left him feeling unable to function. This experience, he stated in a Masterclass, contributed to the decision to leave the UK with his wife and children.

The Sussexes reportedly made the decision to move back to the UK after a summer visit that included a reunion with King Charles and a visit to Diana's ancestral estate, Althorp. They aim to stay for at least the academic year, which concludes next summer, to allow their children to attend school.

This period in the UK will also provide Harry with time to work on a documentary about the 30th anniversary of Princess Diana's death and prepare for the Invictus Games in Birmingham next year. It is also intended to facilitate the security arrangements the couple seeks from the British government.

Despite the possibility of future moves to Canada or Australia, which the couple favors due to their love of travel, they are currently residing in a cottage on financier Ian Wace's estate in Northamptonshire. They have indicated this is an "extended stay" as they plan to live as an "international family" with homes also in California and Portugal.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be joining the royal family for Christmas celebrations at Sandringham. Instead, they may remain in Northamptonshire or return to California for the holidays, accompanied by Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland.

The couple is planning their first official public appearance in the UK soon. They were recently photographed holding hands during a lunch at The Falkland Arms, a pub in the Cotswolds. Meghan was seen having afternoon tea with activist Malala Yousafzai in London, marking her first public outing in the city since their return. The two have a prior connection, having participated in a virtual conversation in 2020 celebrating the International Day of the Girl.

Since arriving in the UK, the Sussexes have also been seen socializing with friends, including Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, and Meghan's friend Kelly McKee Zajfen, who shared photos of their time together in the Cotswolds. Meghan has also launched her lifestyle brand, "As Ever," featuring a holiday collection that includes a luxury advent calendar.

There had been speculation about Meghan's potential involvement in a Netflix series, "The Gentleman," but sources indicate this was a brief consideration and is unlikely to proceed.