Prince Harry, Meghan and children return to Britain: key facts

LONDON, 21 AUGUST 2026 —

Prince Harry, Meghan to Return to Britain with Children in Move Seen as Reconciliation Bid

The announcement comes six years after the couple stepped back from their roles as working royals, left the United Kingdom, and relocated to the U.S., a decision that deepened tensions with King Charles III and Prince William, heir to the throne. While the exact reasons for their return remain undisclosed, Harry, 41, has recently signaled a desire to reconcile with his family, particularly his father, who is undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.

Details of their return are still limited. However, the couple has enrolled their children—Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5—in British schools, with classes set to begin in September, according to a person familiar with the Sussexes who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The family will reside at a private, non-royal home outside London, while maintaining their primary residence in Montecito, California, and a vacation property in Portugal’s Costa Terra. They will not resume their roles as working royals, instead continuing their careers in media and business. Meghan will oversee her company, As Ever, from the U.K., while Harry plans to focus on his British-based charities.

The couple’s return follows a recent visit to the U.K., where they met with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House. It marked the first time the children had seen their grandfather since the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Charles was reportedly informed of their plans only on the previous Sunday, according to British media.

The move has sparked speculation about the family’s reconciliation efforts. Harry has publicly expressed his wish to reconcile, stating last year, “I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore.” However, healing relations with Prince William may prove more challenging.

The brothers’ relationship deteriorated after Harry and Meghan’s 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey and the release of Harry’s memoir Spare in 2023, which included allegations of physical altercations and racial insensitivity within the royal family.

Former royal correspondents suggest the announcement could strain relations further.

Peter Hunt, a former BBC royal correspondent, told the Press Association that the move would likely upset William, while Jennie Bond, a former BBC royal correspondent, questioned the timing of the disclosure, saying, “If I was the king, I’d actually be thinking, ‘Hang on, you came to tea with me, and we sat down and we chatted, and you didn’t even mention this?’ I find it entirely odd.”

Harry has also been vocal about his security concerns, claiming that the downgrading of his police protection in the U.K. Was central to the family dispute. Before stepping back as a working royal, Harry received the highest level of protection, but visits home now require case-by-case evaluations. Despite these concerns, he has continued to travel to the U.K., often accompanied by private security.

The Duke has been embroiled in a long-running legal battle with British tabloids over alleged privacy violations, including phone hacking and surveillance. While he has secured victories against the Daily Mirror and The Sun, a recent case against the Daily Mail resulted in a ruling against him and a group of claimants, including Elton John. A judge is set to determine legal costs on Friday, with Harry facing substantial legal fees.

The Sussexes’ return raises questions about whether their security arrangements have been reassessed or if new measures have been implemented. Their decision to relocate their children to British schools suggests a long-term commitment, though the couple has not indicated plans to resume official royal duties.

The move comes at a sensitive time for the monarchy, as King Charles III continues treatment for cancer. Observers note that Harry’s presence in the U.K. Could facilitate a closer relationship with his father, though reconciliation with Prince William remains uncertain.

As the Sussexes settle into their new routine, the royal family’s response—and Prince William’s reaction—will be closely watched. Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on speculation regarding non-working members of the royal family.

With reporting by Danica Kirka in London and James Pollard in Washington.

Related: As Ever · Highgrove House · Prince Harry · London