Prince Harry and Meghan Plan Extended Stay in the UK

Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have announced plans to return to the United Kingdom for an extended stay this fall. They will not resume roles as working members of the royal family. Their children, Prince Archie, aged 7, and Princess Lilibet, aged 5, will start attending British schools in September, as confirmed by a source close to the couple.

The family will reside in a private, non-royal property outside of London, while maintaining their residence in Montecito, California, and a vacation home in Portugal. This development was initially reported by The Daily Telegraph.

Harry declined to comment when approached by the Associated Press during an event with U.S. veterans in Washington, only stating, “Nothing to say.” The couple stepped back from their royal duties over six years ago, moving to California and securing deals with Netflix and Spotify for income.

Recently, Harry has shown interest in reconciling with his father, King Charles III, who is currently undergoing treatment for an undisclosed cancer. The royal family was briefed about Harry and Meghan’s UK plans on Sunday, according to sources.

Buckingham Palace has upheld its policy of not commenting on matters involving non-working royal family members. Neither representatives for Harry and Meghan have provided comments on these developments.

According to insiders, Meghan will manage her company, As Ever, from the UK, while Harry will allocate more effort to UK-based charities. Tensions between Harry and the British royal family arose after the couple moved to Montecito in Southern California. The couple cited royal life restrictions and alleged insensitivity toward Meghan’s mental health as reasons for leaving in interviews and Harry’s memoir, “Spare.” Meghan, who describes herself as biracial, claimed some family members expressed racial concerns during her first pregnancy.

Further straining family ties are Harry’s legal battles with British tabloids, which he accuses of illegal phone hacking and privacy breaches. He has lost lawsuits against several media outlets, including the Daily Mail’s publisher. The court ruling now potentially leaves Harry responsible for significant legal fees. Associated Newspapers has documented legal costs of 34.5 million pounds ($47 million).

Harry is also in a legal conflict with the British government over police protection during UK visits. His request for armed security, citing threats due to his royal status, was declined by a government committee. After losing court proceedings over security last year, Harry expressed a wish to mend family relations, but signs of improved relations with brother Prince William remain absent.

During a recent UK visit for charity, Meghan accompanied Harry and the children to spend time with King Charles at his Highgrove estate. It was the first meeting between Archie, Lilibet, and their grandfather since the Queen’s platinum jubilee in 2022. While Harry has engaged with his father, there are no indications of improved relations with William, the heir to the throne. According to former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt, the announcement could exacerbate tensions with William. Harry’s continued presence in the UK, however, may encourage reconciliation efforts with his father.