Harry and Meghan plan to return to live in the UK

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle plan to return to live in the United Kingdom with their children, Archie and Lilibet, 6 years after leaving the country and abandoning their roles as active members of the British royal family.

The change should be carried out at the end of August. The family will stay in a private residence outside London, with no connection to Crown properties. Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, are due to start studying at a British school in September. The institution and location of the new home were not disclosed for privacy and security reasons.

According to BBCKing Charles III was informed about the plans on Sunday (16.Aug.2026) and welcomed the possibility of spending more time with his son and grandchildren in private. Prince William and Kate Middleton were also notified.

The return does not change the status of Harry and Meghan. They will remain non-serving members of the royal family and there are no plans for them to resume official engagements on behalf of the British monarchy.

The couple will maintain their residence in Montecito, California, and the property they own in Portugal. According to the magazine Peoplethe new home will be the family’s first permanent base in the United Kingdom since Harry and Meghan left Frogmore Cottage, in Windsor.

Harry and Meghan stepped down from official monarchical duties in 2020 and settled in the United States. Since then, the prince’s relationship with part of the royal family has deteriorated, especially with his brother, William.

The rapprochement with Charles, however, has gained strength in recent months. In July, Harry and Meghan were with their children at the king’s residence in Highgrove, in Gloucestershire. It was the first time in about 4 years that Charles had met Archie and Lilibet in person.

According to the Sunthe family must remain in the UK while the children are studying in the country. Harry and Meghan will not receive public money or participate in official Crown engagements during this period.

Security is one of the main points related to change. Harry lost a legal dispute in 2025 over the level of police protection offered to him and his family in the United Kingdom. The prince had already stated that security concerns made traveling to the country with Meghan and their children difficult.

The British government stated that decisions on protection are taken by the committee responsible for the security of the royal family and public authorities and that the system adopted is “rigorous and proportionate”.