Summary (tl;dr)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are reportedly moving back to the United Kingdom with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, six years after stepping down as senior working royals and relocating to the United States. Their children are enrolled to start school in Britain in September.

Essential Background

In January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to step back from their roles as "senior" members of the British Royal Family, citing a desire for greater privacy and financial independence. They subsequently moved to Montecito, Santa Barbara County, California, where they pursued various media and lifestyle ventures, including a Netflix documentary series and Meghan's "As ever" brand. This departure, often referred to as "Megxit," led to widely reported strained relations with other members of the Royal Family, particularly Prince William and King Charles III, with the couple discussing their experiences and grievances in several public forums and in Prince Harry's memoir "Spare." Their former UK residence, Frogmore Cottage, was vacated by them in 2023.

The Full Story

Multiple media outlets reported on Wednesday, August 20, 2026, that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are making a significant move back to Britain from California later this month. This relocation includes their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, who are set to begin attending British schools in September. The couple reportedly plans to establish a private, non-royal residence located outside of London. While returning to the UK, they are expected to maintain their current home in Montecito, California, as well as a vacation property in Portugal, suggesting their return to Britain may not be a permanent or exclusive move. King Charles III was reportedly informed of their plans on Sunday, August 16, 2026, and is said to welcome the opportunity for more personal family time. Despite the move, reports emphasize that Prince Harry and Meghan will not be resuming their roles as working royals, remaining private individuals. This development follows a recent private reunion in July at Highgrove, Gloucestershire, where the King saw his grandchildren for the first time in over four years, a meeting that reportedly left Prince Harry feeling "buoyed" and "energized." Concerns over security arrangements in the UK had previously been a factor in Prince Harry's hesitation to bring his family to Britain.

Why It Matters

This reported return marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing narrative of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship with the British Royal Family and the United Kingdom. It could signify a step towards reconciliation, particularly between Prince Harry and his father, King Charles III, and allow their children to spend more time with their paternal family and immerse themselves in their British heritage. While the couple will not be rejoining official royal duties, their renewed presence in the UK is expected to draw considerable public and media attention, potentially reshaping public perception and reigniting discussions about their role within the broader royal ecosystem, especially given the documented tensions with Prince William. Some royal commentators have even suggested it could lead to the emergence of "two rival courts."

Geographic Location

• United Kingdom (reported move back for an extended period, children to attend school)
• London, England, United Kingdom (reported private, non-royal residence outside the city)
• Montecito, Santa Barbara County, California, United States (current primary residence, expected to be maintained)
• Highgrove, Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom (recent reunion with King Charles III)
• Portugal (vacation property, expected to be maintained)