Six years after leaving the United Kingdom and their roles within the British royal family, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are preparing to make the return journey. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex plan to move back to Great Britain with their two children, Archie and Lilibet, at the end of August. This is a symbolic return after six years spent primarily in California and a dramatic break from royal life. However, Harry and Meghan will not be returning as working members of the royal family.
Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet are going to settle in Great Britain
The couple is due to leave the United States by the end of the month to establish a new residence in the United Kingdom. It will not be a royal residence: Harry and Meghan are to live in a private home, the precise location of which has not been made public for security reasons. It is believed to be outside London. The change affects the entire family. Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, are to start school in the UK in September. This will be a significant upheaval for both children. Archie was born in London in May 2019 but has grown up primarily in North America, while Lilibet was born in California in June 2021.
No return as active members of the royal family
This move, however, does not signify a return to the way things were before "Megxit." Harry and Meghan currently have no plans to resume their former official roles in service to the Crown. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will therefore remain non-working members of the Royal Family and will continue to pursue their own activities. Nor is the couple definitively turning their backs on America. Harry and Meghan are expected to retain their Montecito, California, estate, where they have lived for several years, as well as their residence in Portugal. Their move to the UK will thus provide them with a new base in the United Kingdom rather than necessarily signifying a complete abandonment of their life in the United States.
Charles III informed of his son's return
King Charles III has been informed of the decision. Harry's return will inevitably bring the prince geographically closer to his father after several years marked by strained family relations. Harry publicly expressed his desire to reconcile with his family in 2025. The prince explained that he didn't know how much time his father had left, as his father's cancer diagnosis was publicly announced in February 2024. Relations between Harry and Charles III have gradually improved, although tensions within the royal family have not entirely disappeared. In particular, the relationship between Harry and his brother, Prince William, remains much more difficult.
Six years after "Megxit", a spectacular return to the past
The Sussexes' announced return comes more than six years after their historic decision in January 2020. Harry and Meghan announced their intention to step back from their royal duties and become financially independent. After negotiations with Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the royal family, they ceased to be working members of the monarchy in the spring of 2020 before settling in California. The following years were marked by a series of particularly sensitive revelations. In March 2021, Harry and Meghan gave a sensational interview to Oprah Winfrey. Meghan notably stated that conversations had taken place within the royal family regarding the skin color of their unborn child. In January 2023, Harry published his memoir, Spare , in which he recounted numerous private episodes of his life within the monarchy and detailed his strained relationships with some members of his family, particularly William.
The issue of security has been central in recent years.
Harry's return to the UK is also noteworthy because of his long-standing dispute regarding his security when in the country. After stepping down from his royal duties, the prince lost the automatic police protection he had previously received. He launched a legal battle against the conditions under which his security was determined during his visits to the UK. In 2025, Harry lost an appeal concerning this protection. He explained at the time that the issue of security was one of the main obstacles to regular visits to the UK with Meghan and their children. Despite this legal dispute and six years away from the monarchy, the Sussexes are now preparing for their return. Just weeks before the start of the school year, Harry, Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet are getting ready to return to Great Britain, though they will not be resuming their former roles within the royal family.
