Prince Harry signaled his intention to relocate his family to Britain nearly a year ago, according to singer Joss Stone. The Duke of Sussex reportedly inquired about the experience of moving back to the UK with Stone in September 2025 at the WellChild Awards.

At the time, Harry was on a four-day visit to Britain. A week prior, journalist Richard Eden had reported that Harry desired to educate his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in the United Kingdom. Stone recounted the conversation to Hello! magazine, stating that Harry expressed genuine interest in her family's relocation and noted the benefits of British schools and community for children.

"He was saying how wonderful the schools are here and how important community is for children," Stone told Hello!. "It was nice to share that with him because it's exactly why we felt drawn to come back – for the kids to grow up surrounded by family, friends and a strong sense of belonging and most importantly in a safe environment."

It was recently reported that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning a return to Britain within days, more than six years after they moved to California. The King was reportedly informed of the announcement just three days in advance. The terms of their departure from royal duties, often referred to as "Megxit," are expected to remain unchanged, with the couple not holding roles as working royals.

The Sussexes are expected to reside in a non-royal property outside of London and have reportedly enrolled Archie and Lilibet in British schools. During a recent visit to the UK in early July, the couple is understood to have stayed in a private residence near Oxford.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the security arrangements for the Sussexes' return to the UK are a private matter. "Well, this is a private matter. It's a matter for Harry and for Meghan, and we wish them well in the moves that they're making," Burnham told reporters.

David Wiseman, chief programs and strategy officer at the Invictus Games Foundation, expressed that the move was surprising to many. He told the BBC that the Duke's return to the UK in time for the competition's next event in Birmingham in July 2027 would be "excellent news."

"I will be really pleased to have him back in the country. Moving is stressful for anyone so I hope it all goes well and the children settle well at school," Wiseman added.