Prince Harry and Meghan are preparing for an extended return to the U.K. this fall, with their children set to attend British schools while the family remains outside the working royal system.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are planning to spend an extended period in Britain with their children, according to a person close to the couple who was not authorized to speak publicly.
Their UK residence will be private rather than a royal property, while their Montecito home and Portugal vacation property will remain part of their arrangements.
The move represents a significant change from Harry’s position 15 months ago, when he said he could not imagine bringing Meghan and their children back to Britain.
Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, are now expected to start at British schools in September, giving them greater exposure to their father’s country, culture and history.
Harry and Meghan will not return as working royals. Meghan is expected to continue running her As Ever company from Britain, while Harry can devote more time to his U.K.-based charitable work.
The couple left royal duties more than six years ago and subsequently established commercial partnerships, including agreements with Netflix and Spotify.
Relations with the royal family remain complicated. Harry has publicly expressed a desire for reconciliation with his relatives, particularly his father, King Charles III, who is undergoing cancer treatment.
Charles was informed of the Sussexes’ plans on Sunday. The family’s recent contact has already increased.
During Harry and Meghan’s visit to Britain last month, Archie and Lilibet met their grandfather at Highgrove, marking their first meeting with him since Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
There is, however, no comparable indication of reconciliation between Harry and his brother, Prince William. Harry’s return also brings him back into the environment surrounding his long running disputes with British newspapers.
He has won legal action involving phone hacking by some publishers, while his more recent case against the Daily Mail publisher was unsuccessful.
Security has remained another unresolved concern. Harry has challenged decisions concerning police protection for his family during U.K. visits, arguing that their royal status places them at particular risk.
The planned move could give Harry more opportunities to spend time with his father while allowing his children to develop a closer connection with Britain. It also marks a notable shift in the Sussexes’ post royal life without signaling a return to official royal duties.
