Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly preparing to return to the United Kingdom for an extended period, living in a private residence while their children, Archie and Lilibet, are expected to start school locally. According to sources, the move follows six years in Montecito, California, after the couple stepped back as working royals in 2020.
The Decision to Relocate After Six Years in California
After stepping down from their senior royal roles and relocating across the Atlantic in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex established a base in Montecito, California. During their time in the United States, they secured major media partnerships, including multi-million-dollar deals with Netflix and Spotify, alongside various literary and production projects. According to marketing and PR agency chief executive Stacy Jones, speaking to the BBC, the couple’s initial global notoriety made them highly sought-after names for major corporate entities upon arrival.
However, the couple is now planning a move back to the UK for a prolonged period, according to sources. Sources cited by Page Six note that a primary catalyst for the relocation is a desire for Archie and Lilibet to build closer relationships with their British relatives, including King Charles. The King is reportedly pleased with the prospect of spending more time with his grandchildren.
Branding Challenges and Business Shifts Beyond the Palace
Transitioning from working royals to independent media figures brought distinct commercial hurdles. While Prince Harry’s memoir Spare became a publishing phenomenon—selling more than six million copies worldwide according to BBC data—other projects faced setbacks. Archewell Audio and Spotify parted ways after a single season of Meghan’s podcast Archetypes, and their five-year Netflix agreement shifted to a scaled-down arrangement.
Branding expert Susan Fournier told the BBC that frequent pivots in public identity—from working royals to vocal critics, media producers, and lifestyle entrepreneurs—complicated their efforts to build a unified brand. Meanwhile, Meghan has continued developing her lifestyle brand, and discussions have surfaced regarding potential acting roles, with BBC reporting she has held talks for a part in Guy Ritchie's Netflix series The Gentlemen.
Tensions Surrounding Succession and Royal Relationships
The announcement of the family’s UK return has generated intense speculation regarding how the move will affect their relationship with the wider royal family, particularly Prince William. According to comments reported by Page Six from royal commentator Kinsey Schofield, individuals within Prince William’s circle harbor suspicions that the timing is tied to a desire to re-establish proximity to the monarchy while King Charles remains on the throne.
 "Photo: woman.bg")
Schofield noted that associates of the Prince of Wales believe the couple realizes “the clock is ticking,” suggesting that William is likely to be significantly less accommodating regarding royal compromises once he assumes the crown. Furthermore, sources cited by Page Six suggest that financial considerations and inheritance questions also form part of the calculus behind the move.
Understanding the “Private Royals-Plus” Status
Reports from The Sunday Times and the Daily Mail indicate that Harry and Meghan do not intend to resume official duties as working members of the royal family. Instead, they are exploring a hybrid framework often described as “private royals-plus.” Under this model, the family would maintain a private life in the UK while selectively attending certain family gatherings and allowing their children to interact with British relatives.
Achieving this arrangement depends heavily on broader family consensus, particularly the stance of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. Given the long-standing estrangement between the brothers—exacerbated by public interviews and disclosures in Spare—observers emphasize that bridging the divide remains a formidable challenge.
Did you know? Prince Harry’s memoir Spare holds the record as the fastest-selling book in the UK since tracking began, shifting over six million copies globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle resume their duties as working royals?
No. According to current reports, the couple will return as private citizens and will not resume official working royal roles.
Where will Prince Harry and Meghan live upon returning to the UK?
The family plans to reside in a private home, with their children, Archie and Lilibet, expected to begin attending school locally in the UK.
 "Photo: woman.bg")
What are the primary reasons cited for the relocation?
Sources indicate the move is driven largely by a desire for the children to spend more time with their British family members, including King Charles, alongside lifestyle and educational considerations.
How has Prince William’s circle reacted to the news?
According to royal commentator Kinsey Schofield, speaking to Page Six, associates of Prince William view the timing with suspicion, suggesting it reflects an effort to restore influence while King Charles is on the throne.
Keep reading