Prince Harry signaled his intention to relocate his family back to Britain nearly a year ago, according to pop singer Joss Stone. Harry reportedly discussed the prospect with Stone at the WellChild Awards in September 2025, inquiring about her recent move back to the UK with her family after living in Nashville, Tennessee.
During a four-day trip to Britain at the time, the Duke of Sussex asked Stone about settling back into the country. "He's just very warm and down to earth, as always," Stone told Hello! magazine. "Maybe Harry will move back too. That would be nice. He was saying how wonderful the schools are here and how important community is for children."
Stone, who has known Harry for years and attended his wedding in 2018, shared that Harry expressed a desire for his children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, to grow up in a safe environment surrounded by family and a strong sense of belonging.
It was revealed recently that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning a return to Britain within days, more than six years after they stepped back from royal duties and moved to California. This move reportedly surprised King Charles, who was informed just three days in advance. The terms of the initial "Megxit" agreement, which stipulated the couple would not be working royals, are expected to remain unchanged. However, there are concerns among those close to the royal family that the Sussexes might seek to create a new arrangement regarding their royal status.
The couple intends to establish a home in a non-royal residence outside of London and have already enrolled Archie and Lilibet in British schools. Reports suggest they may have stayed in a private house near Oxford during a recent visit in early July, possibly indicating an interest in the Cotswolds area for their future home. They are expected to retain residences in California and Portugal, with Meghan planning to operate her lifestyle brand, As Ever, from their new UK base.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham addressed the Sussexes' return, stating that security arrangements are a private matter for Harry and Meghan. "We wish them well in the moves that they're making," Burnham said. David Wiseman, chief programmes and strategy officer at the Invictus Games Foundation and a friend of Harry's, noted that the move had surprised many but called it "excellent news" that the Duke would be back in the UK in time for the competition's next event in Birmingham in July 2027. "I will be really pleased to have him back in the country," Wiseman commented. "Moving is stressful for anyone so I hope it all goes well and the children settle well at school."