Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are preparing to leave their California life behind and return to the UK with their children. The move comes with a surprising family twist, new school and no plans to return as working royals.

Prince Harry and Meghan are returning to the UK this month, more than six years after leaving Britain and stepping away from royal duties and settling in California. The couple will live in a private, non-royal home outside of London, with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, starting school in Britain in September.

The couple made the decision quite recently. Harry and Meghan had talked about spending more time in Britain before but their family visit in July seems to have changed their thinking. Harry, Meghan and their children spent time with King Charles at Highgrove and reunited with members of Harry's extended family. Archie and Lilibet also met relatives from their late grandmother Princess Diana's side of the family.

The family apparently had a very positive time in Britain and Portugal, where they also have a home. That experience seems to have made the idea of moving feel much more possible. People who know the couple say the choice is not because they are not happy with life in the United States. Instead Harry and Meghan want to be near family, spend time in Europe and let their children have the chance to grow up and go to school in Britain.

The move is also very important for Harry’s work with the Invictus Games. Birmingham will host the Invictus Games in 2027. David Wiseman, who is the programmes and strategy officer at the Invictus Games is happy that Harry is coming back.

He said "I will be really pleased to have Harry, in the country." He also said that many people were surprised when they heard about the move. The Invictus Games are something that Harry cares about a lot.

Is Harry returning to royal life?

Harry and Meghan are expected to remain private citizens. There are no current plans for either of them to become working royals again. King Charles was informed about the move on Sunday. He seems to be pleased at the chance to have private time with Archie and Lilibet. But that does not mean all family problems have disappeared.

Harry's relationship with his brother, Prince William, remains particularly difficult. There has been no indication that the move has brought the brothers closer together. Security is another major issue. Harry has previously said concerns about his family's safety made him reluctant to bring Meghan and their children to Britain. He also lost a legal challenge over the level of security provided to him after he stopped being a working royal.

Could Britain become important for Meghan's business too?

As Business Fortune observes, Meghan has been working to grow her lifestyle brand As Ever beyond the US. Hence, living in Britain for a longer period could give her business a stronger position in the European market.

However, for the time being, the most difficult challenge for the family will be transitioning to a completely different and a new lifestyle. After years in California, Harry and Meghan will have to relocate to a new home, help their children adjust to British schools and navigate life considerably closer to the Royal Family. The decision may not fix their family tension but it may provide Harry and Meghan with a new relation to Britain.

 

FAQs

When are Prince Harry and Meghan moving back to the UK?

They are expected to relocate later in August 2026, before their children begin school in September.

Where will Harry and Meghan live?

They are expected to live in a private, non-royal residence outside London. The exact location has not been publicly confirmed.

Will Prince Harry become a working royal again?

No. Current plans indicate that Harry and Meghan will remain private citizens and will not resume official royal duties.

Why are Harry and Meghan returning to Britain?

The move is reportedly driven by their wish to be closer to Harry's family, spend more time in Europe and educate their children in the UK.

Will the move repair Harry's relationship with Prince William?

There is currently no clear sign of reconciliation between the brothers. The return should not be viewed as an indication that their relationship has been restored.