Meghan & Harry Are Moving Back to the UK: What Will Change?

Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan are returning to the United Kingdom with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet after spending several years in the U.S. The decision was apparently made only recently, although there have reportedly been internal discussions for some time about spending more time in Europe, according to the BBC.

According to reports, the family’s summer visit to the United Kingdom and Portugal was the deciding factor. While there, the Sussexes spent time not only with King Charles but also with Diana’s relatives. It was precisely this closeness to the family and the desire for a different daily life for the children that are said to have tipped the scales.

According to the BBC, the move is not related to any problems in the U.S. Rather, Harry and Meghan want to live closer to Harry’s family and send their children to school in the U.K. However, there is currently no talk of a permanent departure from California.

Instead, it is expected that they will remain in the United Kingdom for a longer period. More importantly, the couple will not be moving to London. Possible locations include the Cotswolds or Northamptonshire—rural areas near the Spencer family estate, Althorp.

Schools have already been chosen for Archie and Lilibet. The family plans to be settled into their new home by the end of August so that the start of the school year in September goes smoothly. Archie, now seven years old, is set to start third grade, and his five-year-old sister will start first grade.

According to Hello!, the name of the school is being kept private for security reasons. It is expected to be a coeducational day school rather than a boarding school. It is still unclear whether both children will attend the same school. Eton, where Harry and William once studied, apparently is not in the running.

Reactions to this move are likely to vary widely within the royal family. King Charles is said to have been informed only shortly before the decision was made, but reportedly welcomes the opportunity to spend more private time with Harry, Meghan, and the children, according to the BBC.

However, there are no signs of a reconciliation between Harry and Prince William. The brothers’ relationship is still considered to be deeply strained. William also stayed away from Harry’s family’s most recent meeting with Charles.

A return to official royal duties is apparently not in the plans. Harry and Meghan will remain private citizens; according to the BBC, a model that combines official duties with independence is not under consideration. Harry and Meghan will therefore continue to be non-working royals.

The issue of protecting the family is particularly sensitive. In the U.S., the Sussexes rely on a private security team, but it remains to be seen whether this team will also be deployed in the U.K. It is also unclear whether there could be some form of government police protection.