Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are planning a significant relocation back to the United Kingdom for an extended period. This move, alongside their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, marks a return to Britain six years after they stepped down as working members of the Royal Family and moved to the United States. The couple will retain their primary residences in Montecito, California, and a home in Portugal.
Relocation Details and Timeline
The Sussex family is scheduled to arrive in the UK in late August, just before the start of the new British academic year in September. Initially, Prince Harry was expected to visit London alone in mid-September for engagements related to his British patronages, including the WellChild Awards. However, sources indicate that the entire family has brought forward their return to ensure they are settled into their new UK home before the children’s school term begins. This relocation is intended to be long-term, with the family planning to be based in Britain while Archie and Lilibet are of school age.
Key Drivers for the Move
Several factors have influenced the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision to establish a more permanent base in the UK. The primary catalyst appears to be educational arrangements for their children.
Educational Considerations
With Prince Archie now seven years old and entering the age for preparatory school, and Princess Lilibet, aged five, eligible for Year One, the couple has decided to enroll them in British educational institutions for the upcoming academic year. This decision follows a private meeting between Harry, Meghan, and King Charles at Highgrove in July. While the King was informed of the relocation plans shortly before the public announcement, he has reportedly welcomed the prospect of spending more time with his grandchildren.
Legal and Logistical Factors
Another significant consideration is the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Prince Harry’s right to reside in the United States. A US think tank, The Heritage Foundation, has pursued legal challenges seeking the release of his Homeland Security visa application. This action stems from admissions made in Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” concerning past drug use. Furthermore, Prince Harry maintains substantial connections with various British charities and patronages. Establishing a UK base will streamline these commitments, eliminating the need for frequent hotel stays or temporary accommodations during his visits.
Terms of the UK Residence
The Sussexes’ return to the UK will be governed by specific conditions, particularly concerning public funding, royal duties, and accommodation. It has been confirmed that they will not reside in any royal properties, having vacated Frogmore Cottage in 2023. Instead, they have secured a private residence, with potential locations reportedly including areas like the Cotswolds and Northamptonshire.
Financial and Security Arrangements
Prince Harry will not undertake official royal duties, nor will he receive any public funding. The couple intends to continue operating their private commercial ventures, including Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever. This arrangement inevitably brings to the forefront questions regarding the 2020 “Megxit” Sandringham Agreement, which stipulated a separation between private commercial activities and official royal roles. Additionally, the family is not expected to receive taxpayer-funded armed police protection. They will instead rely on private security arrangements for their safety in the UK.
Conclusion
The decision by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to relocate their family to the UK for an extended period represents a significant shift in their post-royal life. Driven by their children’s education and Prince Harry’s ongoing ties to Britain, the move is set to unfold under a distinct set of conditions, emphasizing their independence from official royal duties and public funds while navigating their personal and professional lives from a UK base.
