Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are days away from relocating to the UK with their children Archie and Lilibet, ending a six-year self-exile in Montecito, California. The family is expected to arrive by the end of August, in time for the new school year in September. However, the sudden move raises numerous unanswered questions about their motivations, living arrangements, security, and family dynamics.
Why Are They Really Moving Back?
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told Sky News: "This is the decision they've made probably for the sake of their children, as much as for Harry. Perhaps Meghan is taking one for the team here, because I'm not sure this is her life's desire to live back in the UK." Sources close to the family told Page Six that another reason is for Archie and Lilibet to form closer bonds with their family, with one source saying: "I know that Charles is a big reason for their return."
However, a royal source told The Mirror that questions about their motive are being asked in royal circles. "While the King will be delighted at the prospect at seeing his grandchildren on a more regular basis, there will be concerns over the true motivation for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision to leave the United States after everything that has occurred since they decided to leave their royal roles."
Where Will the Children Go to School?
Specific plans for the Sussex children's schooling will remain tightly under wraps for security reasons. Historically, Prince Harry attended Wetherby Prep in London before moving on to Ludgrove and Eton College. Archie and Lilibet's cousins, Princess Charlotte and Princes George and Louis, all attended Lambrook School in Berkshire, with George now preparing for Eton. In an interview with The Cut in 2022, Meghan expressed fears about sending her children to school in the UK, citing paparazzi concerns despite tight UK laws against publishing photographs of children without parental consent.
Security and Funding Challenges
The Duke has long fought for taxpayer-funded security to be reinstated after it was removed when he stepped down as a working royal. He told BBC News that without it, any prospect of a return to the UK was 'impossible'. Just last month, their visit to the King was nearly called off after Harry complained that the Home Office had not yet reviewed his security status. A 40-page risk assessment suggested he faced an "elevated risk" in the UK, where five of the six known terror plots against him originated. The Mirror understands that the Duke is expected to continue lobbying the Home Secretary for a formal security review.
Family Reactions and Living Arrangements
Former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt suggested the surprise return could leave Prince William "apoplectic". He said: "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. The surprise return of Harry and Meghan is likely to have left William apoplectic." A royal source told The Mirror that the King has been 'blindsided' by the announcement. As private citizens, the Sussexes will not be granted a royal residence and will self-fund any property outside of London, while retaining their homes in Montecito and Portugal.
