Prince Harry and Meghan Markle officially relocated back to the UK with their children, Archie and Lilibet, on August 26 this year, signalling their homecoming to England six years after departing for California.
The family discreetly arrived at Birmingham Airport and have subsequently established themselves in a private, non-royal home outside London, widely speculated to be situated in the Cotswolds region. Since their return, the couple has maintained a comparatively low profile, although Meghan was recently seen at a local Cotswolds pub accompanied by friend Ellen DeGeneres. Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, were registered to begin at a British school in September.
School change after security concerns
According to a spokesperson for the Sussexes, the children were compelled to switch schools merely two days into the term after the family's security team expressed concerns about the "practicalities" and safety of the initial establishment. Neither educational institution has been publicly named to safeguard their privacy.
Relationship expert Georgina Vass has now exclusively revealed her advice on how Meghan and Prince Harry can 'minimise the disruption' for their youngsters following their international move and school changes.
Expert advice on easing the transition
When questioned about what measures Meghan and Harry could implement to ease matters for their children during the upheaval, Georgina exclusively recommended: "Modelling adaptation through honest communication about the hurdles, complicated feelings, and exciting opportunities."
She also proposed that the pair could preserve a sense of normality through school schedules, meal times, bedtimes, or weekend pursuits, which might assist them in avoiding a feeling of disorder.
Strengthening the couple's bond
These remarks follow Georgina's warning that the relocation could potentially 'expose any cracks' in Meghan and Harry's relationship. Georgina pointed out that stressful circumstances can serve as pressure tests for couples, particularly if elements of it play out under public scrutiny.
She explained that this strain can uncover existing fissures, but they can also fortify the bond when partners react as a team rather than opponents. When asked how the couple can ensure their relationship endures the pressures of the move, Georgina advised: "Difficult experiences can strengthen relationships if both partners choose to respond by moving closer rather than further apart."
"Shifting the mindset to 'us vs them' can allow a couple to focus on their shared goals or values and their endurance can deepen their connection." She continued: "Staying emotionally connected during conflicts, tolerating disappointment or losses together, and maintaining trust through consistent engagement can help couples to emerge with a stronger bond, enhancing feelings of loyalty and mutual support. Relationships strengthened by adversity can develop greater resilience, honesty, and confidence in their ability to survive difficulty together as a team."
Life in the countryside
In mid-September, Meghan offered a glimpse into their lives on Instagram, highlighting their fresh countryside existence with footage of the family strolling through woodland, the youngsters cycling, and their pooches, Pula and Mia, settling into the English rural setting. Significantly, their representative revealed that while their dogs made the journey across the Atlantic, their rescue hens stayed put in California.
Although the relocation caught many off guard, sources suggest it might not be completely permanent, given the pair still retain their Santa Barbara, California residence. Meghan is anticipated to divide her time globally to manage her lifestyle enterprise, As Ever, while Prince Harry intends to stay actively involved in the UK to collaborate closely with his British-based initiatives, including WellChild and the Invictus Games.
