After six years of self-imposed distance from the royal family, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are heading home. Multiple outlets — including NBC News, CNN, and The Washington Post — confirm the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are relocating from Montecito, California back to the United Kingdom, bringing their two children, Archie and Lilibet, with them in time for the new school year. It's the clearest sign yet that the rift with the royal family may finally be softening — even if only slightly.
What We Know About the Move
According to sources cited by NBC News, CNN, and People, Harry and Meghan will relocate to the UK "for an extended period," settling into a private residence outside London — not a royal property. The location is being kept under wraps for privacy, though Archie and Lilibet are reportedly already enrolled in British schools ahead of the September term.
Importantly, the couple is not giving up their life in the US. They're keeping their Montecito estate, and reports indicate they have no plans to wind down Archewell Productions or Meghan's As Ever lifestyle brand. This looks less like a permanent goodbye to California and more like the family putting down fresh roots in Britain while keeping a foot in both worlds.
👑 Important: This is not a return to royal duties. Both Buckingham Palace sources and the couple's own team confirm Harry and Meghan will remain non-working, private members of the royal family — the move is personal and geographic, not a resumption of official roles.
King Charles Was Only Told Days Ago
Perhaps the most surprising detail: King Charles III only learned of his son's plans on Sunday, August 16 — just days before the news broke publicly. Prince William and Kate were also informed around the same time. Notably, the move wasn't even raised during the family's reunion at Highgrove this past July, which marked the first time the King had seen his grandchildren in four years.
Despite the short notice, palace sources say the King "welcomes the opportunity" to see more of the Sussex family on a personal level — though he's reportedly made clear there will be no change to Harry and Meghan's status as private, non-working royals.
What About Prince William?
The relationship between Harry and his brother remains the biggest open question. The rift, which deepened dramatically after the 2020 "Megxit" fallout and Harry's later memoir and interviews naming William, Kate, Charles, and Camilla directly, hasn't visibly healed. One royal insider told reporters that William currently has "no interest at all" in speaking to his brother — a sign that even as the physical distance between the two closes, the emotional distance may not.
A source close to the palace says the King welcomes seeing more of Harry's family personally — but insists nothing changes about their non-working royal status.
— Royal insider, cited by CNN and NBC NewsWhy the Timing? The Kids Are the Key
With the British school year starting in early September, insiders say the family wanted to get settled well ahead of time. It's a practical decision as much as an emotional one — Archie and Lilibet growing up with more exposure to their father's homeland, extended family, and British schooling, all while their parents keep their American business ventures running in parallel.
How We Got Here: A Quick Timeline
The Bottom Line
Harry and Meghan are coming home — but on their own terms. No royal comeback, no working titles, just a family trying to give their kids closer ties to Britain while keeping their American life intact. Whether this thaws things with William remains the real story to watch. We'll update as more details emerge.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Harry and Meghan returning to royal duties?
No. Multiple sources confirm they'll remain non-working, private members of the royal family. The move is personal, not professional.
Are they keeping their California home?
Yes. They're holding onto their Montecito estate, and their business ventures — Archewell Productions and As Ever — are continuing as normal.
Where will they live in the UK?
A private residence outside London, according to reports. The exact location hasn't been disclosed for privacy reasons.
