Summary (tl;dr)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly relocating to the United Kingdom for an extended period, with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, enrolled to start British schools in September 2026.

Essential Background

In January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to "step back" as senior working members of the Royal Family, a move widely known as "Megxit," citing their intention to become financially independent. Following this announcement, they relocated to North America, first to Vancouver Island, Canada, and then to Montecito, California, United States. Their relationship with the British Royal Family has since been marked by a period of strain, documented through public interviews and Prince Harry's memoir. Previously, their UK residence was Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, the renovations for which they fully repaid before vacating it in 2023 at the request of King Charles III.

The Full Story

Reports indicate that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are moving back to the United Kingdom for an extended stay, beginning in August 2026. Their children, Prince Archie, aged seven, and Princess Lilibet, aged five, are enrolled in British schools and are set to commence classes in September. The family plans to reside in a private, non-royal residence located outside London, while retaining their primary home in Montecito, California, and a vacation property in Portugal. King Charles III was informed of their plans and reportedly welcomes the opportunity for more private and personal interactions with his son and grandchildren. This development follows a private reunion in July 2026 at Highgrove in Gloucestershire, where Meghan and the children met King Charles III for the first time in four years. The decision for this extended UK stay was a collective family choice, partly influenced by their children's school acceptances and Prince Harry's desire for them to experience his homeland.

Why It Matters

This reported relocation is seen as a significant step towards a potential reconciliation in the previously strained relationship between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the British Royal Family, fostering increased family contact, especially with King Charles III amidst his cancer treatment. It marks a notable change in their living arrangements since their departure as senior royals, although it is understood they will not be resuming official working royal duties. The move has garnered considerable public and media attention, raising questions about their future presence and roles in the UK, particularly concerning their children's upbringing and connection to their British heritage. Additionally, Meghan Markle's reported potential acting role in a UK-based television show has been cited as a contributing factor to the family's move.

Geographic Location

• Montecito, California, United States (current primary residence; will be maintained)
• Portugal (vacation home; will be maintained)
• Windsor, Berkshire, England, United Kingdom (former UK residence at Frogmore Cottage, vacated in 2023)
• Highgrove, Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom (location of July 2026 private family reunion with King Charles III)
• United Kingdom (destination for extended stay and children's schooling)
• London, England, United Kingdom (area outside of which they will establish a new non-royal residence)