. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are relocating back to Britain. The couple is returning to the U.K., PEOPLE confirmed, marking the most significant shift in their family life since they stepped back from royal duties in 2020. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are moving with Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, to the U.K. for an extended period beginning this month, with the children set to start school there in September. The couple will keep their Montecito home and Portugal vacation property while establishing a private, non-royal base in Britain; the location of their new home and the children's school are being kept confidential.
King Charles, 77, was informed of the couple's plans on Sunday, August 16, and reportedly welcomes the chance to see more of the Sussex family privately. Those close to the situation say Charles has been clear the move won't change the couple's status as private, non-working royals, consistent with the agreement reached in 2019. The relocation comes weeks after Harry and Meghan brought Archie and Lilibet to the U.K. for a successful summer visit that included the children's first reunion with their grandfather in more than four years. Sources close to the Sussexes describe the new arrangement as the successful execution of the 'half in, half out' model Harry originally proposed to the royal family back in 2019.
With a British base, Harry will be able to spend more time with charities including Scotty's Little Soldiers, WellChild and the Invictus community, while Meghan continues running her lifestyle brand, As Ever, and pursuing other projects. Allies emphasize that the couple remain financially independent, covering their own expenses without taxpayer funding. The move also signals that Harry feels his family's long-running security concerns have reached a point where he's comfortable basing Meghan and their children in Britain again, though a spokesperson for the couple declined to comment specifically on security matters.
Harry is already expected in Britain in September for engagements tied to WellChild, a charity he's supported for more than two decades, along with events connected to the Invictus Games. Those close to Harry believe his recent U.K. visit reinforced his belief that public opinion of Meghan improves the more she's seen in Britain. The Sussexes will have a built-in support network in Britain, including Harry's longtime friends, Meghan's college friend Lindsay Jill Roth, and Harry's cousin Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank.