Prince Harry and Family to Return to the UK, Maintain Private Life
Prince Harry and his family will relocate from Southern California back to the United Kingdom, according to a source. The Duke of Sussex, 41, his wife Meghan, 45, and their children, Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, have been residing in Montecito, Santa Barbara County. King Charles was made aware of their move on Sunday. The matter was not addressed during the Sussexes’ visit in July.
The king welcomes the chance to see more of the family privately but emphasizes they will remain nonworking members of the royal family. After stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan sought a quieter life in the U.S. Reports indicated that Archie and Lilibet will start British schools in September, suggesting a move within two weeks. They will not live in a royal residence or resume royal duties.
Their security arrangements remain uncertain, a topic that has been contentious. The U.K. Home Office remains discreet, stating policy prevents detailing such arrangements. Meghan plans to continue her lifestyle brand, As Ever, while living in the U.K. The Sussexes’ spokesperson did not deny plans to return to the U.K., as reports initially surfaced from The Telegraph and The Sun.
“He’s made, you know, no secret of his intention to want to bring his children here to reunite them with the king, his father, and the Spencer side of the family, and just have a place where he can come to the U.K. without the circus of his arrival,”
said India McTaggart, a royal correspondent at The Telegraph.
The move follows a tense visit by Harry in July, where a planned stay at Buckingham Palace fell through, and security concerns made him reassess travel plans with his family. Harry and Meghan were last in the U.K. together for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022.
A family reunion might face challenges due to Prince Harry’s strained ties with King Charles and Prince William. Harry detailed his grievances in his memoir “Spare” and has publicly spoken about family tensions. Despite these issues, Harry seeks reconciliation, expressing hope for mending relationships by May 2025.
Harry has reconnected more with his father, although the relationship with Prince William remains distant. Security issues and his charity work, such as with Invictus and WellChild, make the U.K. significant for Harry. He feels connected through his work and friendships there, finding constant travels between countries difficult. McTaggart suggests Meghan supports this move despite complexities.