Prince Harry and Meghan plan UK return after six years in United States

Relocation after six years abroad

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will move back to the United Kingdom at the end of August 2026, concluding six years of primary residence in the United States. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from senior royal duties under the 2020 Sandringham agreement before purchasing a 16-bedroom estate in Montecito, California, for $14.7 million in June 2020. The couple plans to reside in a private, non-royal home outside London, with areas such as the Cotswolds near Oxford and the Spencer family estate at Althorp in Northamptonshire identified as potential locations. The Sussexes previously spent time in the Cotswolds in July 2026 with their children, marking their first family visit to Britain since 2022. They will retain ownership of their Montecito property alongside a residence in Portugal. Their two children, seven-year-old Prince Archie and five-year-old Princess Lilibet, are enrolled in British schooling for the term beginning in September.

Royal family dynamics and political reactions

King Charles III was informed of the planned relocation on Sunday and welcomed the decision, expressing happiness at the opportunity to see his grandchildren more regularly. The King has been undergoing treatment for cancer since 2024, a circumstance cited among the personal considerations behind the family's return to Britain. Relations with Prince William remain unresolved following years of public friction after the couple's 2021 CBS interview and Prince Harry's memoir. Prince Harry appeared at a veterans roundtable in Washington shortly before the announcement but declined to comment on his living arrangements. Former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt noted the awkward position the decision creates for the heir to the throne.

His return home will make it harder for William to avoid a reconciliation.

Political figures also acknowledged the family's impending arrival in Britain. United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham publicly wished the family the best ahead of their late August move. Royal specialist Ed Owens pointed to family considerations as the primary reason for the transition.

They want their children to grow up in the United Kingdom.

Security arrangements and official status

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not resume official working duties on behalf of the British Crown, nor will they take up residence in royal palaces. Prince Harry continues to contest the removal of his automatic taxpayer-funded state security, which was withdrawn following his resignation from senior royal life in 2020. While the British government agreed late last year to review protection arrangements for temporary visits, long-term arrangements for permanent residency remain subject to assessment. A Home Office spokesperson stated that official security systems for the family will remain rigorous and proportionate.

Commercial ventures and media performance

The relocation follows mixed results across the couple's commercial initiatives in the United States. In 2023, Spotify ended its podcast partnership with Archewell Audio after a single season of Meghan Markle's show. However, Archewell Productions secured a multi-year extension with Netflix in August 2025, including a first-look agreement for films and television projects. Their 2022 documentary series recorded 23.4 million views during its first four days on the platform, while the first season of the lifestyle series With Love, Meghan achieved 5.3 million views in the first half of 2025.

Markle has also established the lifestyle company As Ever, selling candles, teas, and fruit preserves as part of her independent commercial portfolio.