Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to return to the United Kingdom with their children, Archie and Lilibet, six years after stepping down as senior royals. The decision, confirmed by sources close to the couple on August 20, 2026, marks a significant family move. The children will start school in September, and the king has been informed. However, the relationship with Prince William remains strained.
Why Return Now?
The move was relatively sudden. Although the couple had discussed spending more time in the UK, a family visit to King Charles at Highgrove in July proved pivotal. According to BBC royal correspondent Daniela Relph, it was a 'wonderful' experience for the children, who met their uncles, aunts, and cousins. That reunion turned the idea into a firm plan. The decision is not about problems in the US but a desire to be closer to Harry's family and to give the children a British education. Schools have already been selected, and the new term starts in the second week of September.
Key Details of the Return
- Move date: within the next 10 days
- Children: Archie (7) and Lilibet (5) start school in September
- Residence: outside London, likely in the Cotswolds or Northampton area, near Althorp estate
- Properties kept: Montecito mansion (California) and a house in Portugal
- Royal role: no return to official duties
Where Will They Live?
They will not live in London. Instead, they will settle in the British countryside, likely in the Cotswolds or Northampton, close to Althorp, the Spencer family estate where Harry's mother, Princess Diana, grew up. They will retain their Montecito mansion and their vacation property in Portugal.
Relations with King Charles and Prince William
King Charles was not part of the decision-making process. He was informed on Sunday and, according to sources, appreciates the opportunity to spend more time with the Sussex family in private. However, reconciliation with Prince William remains elusive. The Prince and Princess of Wales have made no official comment, and William has never forgiven Harry for the revelations in his memoir Spare and the Oprah Winfrey interview. Royal experts consulted by La Nación agree that the relationship is still 'very damaged' and that William is 'deeply upset' by the return.
Meghan's Challenges: Press Scrutiny and Public Opinion
For Meghan, 45, the return is more complex than for Harry. According to royal expert Ed Owens, 'there are more questions about how she will readjust to life in the UK than about Harry.' The duchess will have to deal with past wounds: the relentless scrutiny of the tabloids and a sense of never having fully integrated into the royal family. Her popularity remains low: 61% of Britons hold an unfavorable view of her, according to the latest YouGov poll from July 2026. Additionally, the couple has an ongoing legal battle against the tabloid press, which resulted in a £9.5 million settlement from the publisher of the Daily Mail.
Professionally, Meghan will continue her company As Ever (jams, candles, tea) and is reportedly in talks for a role in the Netflix series The Gentlemen, according to the BBC. Harry, meanwhile, will focus on his charitable organizations and preparations for the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.
The Security Issue
A delicate issue: security. In 2025, Harry lost a legal battle to obtain state-funded police protection and said he could not bring his family to the UK without it. It is unclear if this matter has been resolved. In the US, they have a private security team, but it has not been confirmed whether the team will move with them.