Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have arrived in the United Kingdom with their children, Archie and Lilibet, and are reportedly staying in a spare house on the estate of a wealthy friend in the Cotswolds. The couple and their children traveled by private jet and were met with a convoy of blacked-out vehicles upon arrival at Birmingham airport. Their prospective UK move includes plans for Archie and Lilibet to begin at the same nearby prep school next week.
Despite earlier reports of a potential £12 million property purchase, sources indicate that no deal has been finalized, though numerous options are available in the current market. The Sussexes are actively house-hunting with a significant budget, a prospect that has reportedly led some of their associates in California to question the feasibility of maintaining their US base.
Friends of the couple, however, maintain that they intend to keep their Montecito mansion and their holiday home in Portugal, planning to spend holidays and Christmas in California. The focus for a potential UK residence appears to be on specific requirements: Meghan is reportedly seeking a nine-bedroom home with a film studio, while Prince Harry desires a large property with ample land and no public footpaths.
This renewed focus on a British countryside lifestyle is described by friends as an "English countryside dream" and a continuation of their desire for a new life, referred to as 'Finding Freedom 2,' echoing their earlier decision to leave royal life for America. Friends suggest this move represents an opportunity for Harry to live as a private citizen in the UK with greater freedom than when he was a working royal.
The couple has reportedly been discussing the move since early in the year, shortlisting schools and visiting them in July. Their educational priorities for Archie and Lilibet are reportedly centered on a nurturing atmosphere and an outdoorsy, sporting ethos, aiming to provide a "secure countryside microcosm" for a normal childhood. Prince Harry is said to be drawing parallels to his own happy years at Ludgrove prep school, valuing community and a sense of belonging.
Meghan has reportedly expressed surprise at the prospect of Saturday schooling but is looking forward to the move. The couple's work plans in the UK are expected to be limited, with no commercial activities anticipated. This approach aligns with the agreement made at the Sandringham summit, which allows them to pursue commercial ventures as long as they do not present themselves as working royals.
Prince Harry is expected to continue with charitable patronages, particularly those related to military causes, but will avoid business deals in the UK. Meghan plans to continue managing her lifestyle brand, As Ever, with any UK-based filming intended solely for her US website. There is speculation that Meghan may eventually establish a film studio at a new UK home to create content.
Sources suggest the return to the UK is intended to be long-term, with Harry potentially based there during school terms for up to 15 years. An associate noted that Harry felt he had "no life in California, no friends" and "no common ground with anyone." Harry has expressed a fondness for British culture, including "the banter of the mess, the clubhouse, the pub, the stands."
The funding for their move is expected to come solely from the Sussexes, with no financial support anticipated from Prince Harry's father. Harry's finances are reportedly bolstered by legacies and earnings from his memoir "Spare" and his Netflix deal.
Questions also remain regarding security arrangements, with Harry reportedly seeking a reassessment of his security needs in the UK. His legal team has reportedly contacted the Home Secretary to request intervention, though public opinion on state-funded security for the couple remains largely opposed.