Prince Harry and Family Set to Move Back to the United Kingdom

Prince Harry and his family plan a return to the United Kingdom, according to a reliable source. The Duke of Sussex, aged 41, and his wife Meghan, aged 45, along with their children Archie and Lilibet, currently reside in Montecito, California. This affluent area is a well-known coastal enclave in Santa Barbara County.

King Charles has been informed of their return. This information did not come up during the Sussexes’ July visit, as reported by The Telegraph. King Charles welcomes the opportunity to see more of Prince Harry’s family privately. However, they will continue as private individuals and nonworking members of the royal family.

Prince Harry and Meghan have been living in California since stepping down from royal duties in 2020. Reports from The Telegraph and The Sun on Wednesday reveal the family plans to enroll Archie and Lilibet in British schools starting September. The move back is likely within two weeks.

Despite moving, Harry and Meghan will not resume royal duties. They will also choose not to live in a royal residence, preferring a private lifestyle. The details of their security are still uncertain. A U.K. Home Office spokesperson stated that it is their policy not to share detailed security information, as it could compromise security.

While in the U.K., Meghan will continue managing her lifestyle brand, As Ever. A Sussex spokesperson did not deny the reported move back to the U.K.

The move follows Harry’s contentious visit to the U.K. in July, during which his plans changed due to security issues. Prior to this, the Sussexes were last in the U.K. in 2022 for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

A royal family reunion may prove challenging due to Prince Harry’s strained relations with King Charles and Prince William. Harry shared grievances in his 2023 memoir “Spare” and publicly discussed family tensions.

Harry met his father last year, who is undergoing cancer treatment, after claiming the king avoided him. Despite tensions, Harry expressed a desire to reconcile with his family by May 2025, as he is unsure how long the king will live.

India McTaggart, a royal correspondent, mentioned that moving back to the U.K. has long been Harry’s wish. He aims to reunite his children with King Charles and the Spencer family without media scrutiny. Although his relationship with Prince William remains fraught, Harry has recently been communicating more with his father.

Harry’s charity commitments in the U.K. influenced the decision. Many of his charities, such as Invictus and WellChild, are based there. Harry feels connected to the U.K., given his friends and complicated travel arrangements due to security. McTaggart noted Meghan’s key role in this decision.