The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly preparing to move back to Britain with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, six years after relocating to the United States.
The couple are expected to settle in a private, non-royal property believed to be outside London later this month. Their children are also reportedly expected to begin school in the UK in September.
The reports, published by The Daily Telegraph and The Sun, indicate that King Charles III was informed about the planned move on Sunday.
Harry and Meghan have lived in California since 2020 after stepping down as senior working members of the royal family. They have also maintained a home in Portugal.
The reported return follows a meeting between Harry and his father at Highgrove in Gloucestershire last month. The King is said to welcome the possibility of spending more time with his son and grandchildren, although the couple will continue to live as private individuals.
There is no indication that their return would restore their former working-royal status. The possibility of a “half-in, half-out” arrangement was previously rejected during the 2020 Sandringham discussions that led to their departure from royal duties.
The Sussexes have yet to publicly comment on the reports.
Harry’s relationship with his elder brother, Prince William, remains strained following criticism directed at members of the royal family since the Sussexes left Britain.
Former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt said the reported move could create further tension between the brothers.
“In the long term, the return of the Sussexes to the UK opens up the prospect of two rival courts, William’s and Harry’s. In the short term, Harry will be able to deepen his rapprochement with his father. And his presence back home will make it harder for his brother to duck a reconciliation,” Hunt told the PA news agency.
“The surprise return of Harry and Meghan is likely to have left William apoplectic.”
Security is expected to remain a major issue for the Sussexes. Harry has previously argued that he would not feel comfortable bringing his wife and children to Britain without adequate police protection.
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Following a legal setback over his UK security arrangements in May 2025, Harry said: “I can’t see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the UK at this point.”
However, speaking to the BBC after the ruling, he said he wanted to repair relations with his family.
“I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point continuing to fight any more, life is precious,” he said.
Harry also described the security dispute as “always the sticking point”.
The Home Office has declined to provide details about the couple’s security arrangements.
A spokesperson said: “The UK government’s protective security system is rigorous and proportionate.”
The reported move has already attracted a positive reaction from Education Secretary Lucy Powell, who said she hoped it could contribute to improved relations within the royal family.
“I think that the vast majority of your listeners will welcome that news and – they obviously are not working royals any more – and want to come back to this country,” Powell told LBC.
“And I hope that this is all part of a bigger reconciliation for the family because you know the royal family is very important to this country and to our reputation around the world, and you know I for one think it’s great to have Harry and Meghan and their family back here.”