Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are moving back to the UK after six years living in the US, and a property expert has shared her thoughts on the move. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are thought to have a private, non-royal residence outside London lined up for them and their two children, Archie and Lilibet. The move, which is thought to have come as a surprise to his father, King Charles, is expected to take place imminently, ahead of their son and daughter starting at a UK school in September.
This comes after Harry previously admitted doubts about ever returning to his hometown, citing concerns over his and his family's safety following a security row. However, in a turn of events, Harry and Meghan are reportedly keen to spend more time in Europe and want to educate their children in the UK.
Privacy concerns shape property choice
While it is not known where the couple and their children will be living, Cal Graham, a property expert at We Buy Any Home, believes it probably "won't be the grandest" property if privacy and safety are their biggest concerns. To avoid people discovering their location, Cal says a "shielded" property would be the best option, which doesn't necessarily mean a glamorous one. To achieve this, she explained that the home would need to be designed with privacy in mind as much as possible, both indoors and outdoors.
Cal told the outlet: "If the reports are correct, the most suitable property would probably be one that looks relatively unremarkable from the public road but offers considerable privacy once inside. A modern home on a privately managed estate, set well back from the road and shielded by mature landscaping, would attract far less attention than an instantly recognisable country mansion."
Expert suggests discreet and manageable home
She added: "Privacy is not simply about having enormous grounds. A smaller property with controlled access, secure off-road parking and no obvious public viewpoints may be more discreet - and much easier to manage - than a sprawling estate with several boundaries, entrances and outbuildings."
On which type of property she believes would offer the best combination of privacy and affordability, Cal suggested a "high-quality rental on a professionally managed private estate" while they adapt to the change. "If they later decided to buy, a modern and energy-efficient house outside prime central London would probably offer the best balance. It could still provide privacy, space and access to London but without the upkeep and public visibility that often accompany a famous listed estate," she added. "The perfect home for them may not be the grandest one. It is more likely to be the property that allows them to live most normally."
Possible locations for the Sussex family
According to royal reporter Tom Sykes, the couple may have secured a property in the Cotswolds, a popular hotspot for high-profile names, or the Northampton area, close to the Spencer family estate, which they visited during their recent UK trip. The pair are thought to have spent time at the Grade I-listed Althorp House, the childhood home of Harry's mother, Princess Diana, during their stay, reports the BBC.
