Prince Harry, his wife Meghan, and their children are reportedly preparing to relocate back to the United Kingdom by the end of the month. Multiple outlets have indicated that the family has enrolled their two children, seven-year-old Archie and five-year-old Lilibet, at a British school in preparation for the upcoming term in September.
A Return Outside the Royal Estate
The reported move marks a significant shift in the dynamics surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan, who stepped back from their royal duties in 2020 and relocated to the United States. According to the British newspaper The Telegraph, the family intends to settle in a private residence outside of London that is independent of the royal estate. Neither the couple nor Buckingham Palace has issued an official statement confirming the relocation plans.
Private Family Gathering in July
In a BBC interview conducted in May, Prince Harry remarked that it would be “nice to reconcile,” adding that life is precious and he remains uncertain how much longer his father will live. King Charles III publicly disclosed a cancer diagnosis in February 2024.
In July, King Charles III reportedly hosted his younger son and his family for a private gathering, marking the first time the monarch had met with them in four years. According to reports from the BBC, Meghan and the children traveled from an undisclosed location in Europe to attend the family meeting, which also included Queen Camilla. However, sources indicated that the impending move was not discussed during the July gathering, and the monarch reportedly learned of the relocation plans only on Sunday.
No Return to Working Royal Duties
Despite the prospect of a physical return to the United Kingdom, public broadcaster reports emphasize that there are currently no plans for Prince Harry and Meghan to resume royal duties. The family’s return also coincides with ongoing legal and logistical hurdles regarding security arrangements.
Unresolved Security Hurdles
Last year, a UK appellate court upheld a previous ruling confirming that Prince Harry and his family do not retain automatic, taxpayer-funded police protection while in Britain. The UK Home Office removed the blanket security detail following the couple’s departure in 2020. Since then, security for Prince Harry during domestic visits has been managed on a case-by-case, “adapted” basis.
As the reported deadline of late August approaches, public attention remains fixed on whether the palace or the couple will provide formal confirmation of the transition and how the family will establish its new routine outside of London.
