Six years after stepping back from royal duties, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan are preparing for a new chapter. In late summer, the family—including Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—is expected to spend an extended period in the United Kingdom. They reportedly plan to have a private, non-royal residence outside London while maintaining their home in Montecito.
The children are expected to start school in the UK in September. For Harry, the move is closely connected to his sense of home and heritage. “Harry never really stopped missing home. He’s missed that sense of connection and belonging. Britain is still home in many ways,” an insider told People.
Harry Wants Archie and Lilibet to Connect With Their Heritage
The move does not represent a return to official royal duties. The family is expected to remain private members of the royal family. Nevertheless, living closer to Harry’s relatives would give Archie and Lilibet more opportunities to experience British traditions and learn about their father’s family history.
Earlier this summer, the children reportedly visited their grandfather at Highgrove and spent time at Althorp, Princess Diana’s childhood home. For Harry, helping his children understand their heritage appears to be an important part of the move.
Meghan Begins a New Chapter of Her Own
The change could also mark a new chapter for Meghan. The former actress has reportedly been linked to discussions about a possible role in the third season of the UK-produced series The Gentlemen. At the same time, she continues to develop her lifestyle brand, As Ever.
California has given the couple privacy and distance during their first years raising their children. Now, their priorities appear to be shifting. According to an insider cited by People, Meghan sees it as a blessing that Archie and Lilibet could experience both British and American life.
Charles Could Welcome Greater Family Closeness
The return could bring mixed emotions within the royal family. King Charles is reportedly pleased at the prospect of having his younger son and grandchildren closer again, although tensions within the family have not disappeared.
Relations between Harry and Prince William are still understood to be strained, and neither William nor Princess Kate has publicly commented on the reported plans. For Charles, however, having Harry and his grandchildren nearby could create more opportunities for private family time.
Polls and Security Concerns Could Complicate the Return
The family’s return is unlikely to be completely straightforward. A YouGov poll reportedly found that 21 percent of Britons supported the couple’s return, while around a third opposed it. Security also remains a major concern for Harry, who has spent years seeking greater protection for his family when visiting the UK.
Relations with the British press remain another sensitive issue, particularly given Meghan’s previous experiences with the tabloids.
One thing appears clear: Harry and Meghan are not returning as working royals. Instead, their reported move would allow them to spend more time in the UK while continuing to maintain their independent lives and careers.
