Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have returned to the UK with their children, Archie and Lilibet, six years after moving to California. The family officially relocated on August 26 this year, arriving quietly at Birmingham Airport before settling into a private home outside London, away from royal residences.
Their new base is widely believed to be in the Cotswolds, where Meghan was recently seen visiting a local pub with her friend Ellen DeGeneres. Otherwise, the Sussexes have largely stayed out of the spotlight since returning. Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, were enrolled to start at a British school in September.
School change after two days
According to a spokesperson for the Sussexes, the children were forced to change schools just two days into term after the family's security team raised concerns about the "practicalities" and safety of the original school. Neither school has been publicly identified to protect their privacy.
Relationship expert Georgina Vass has now exclusively shared her guidance on how Meghan and Prince Harry can 'minimise the disruption' for their young children following their international relocation and school changes.
Expert advice for the family
When asked what steps Meghan and Harry could take to make things easier for their children during the disruption, Georgina exclusively suggested: "Modelling adaptation through honest communication about the hurdles, complicated feelings, and exciting opportunities."
She further recommended that the couple could maintain a degree of routine through school timetables, mealtimes, bedtimes, or weekend activities, which could help prevent the children from feeling unsettled.
Protecting the relationship
These comments come in the wake of Georgina's cautioning that the move could potentially 'expose any cracks' in Meghan and Harry's relationship. Georgina noted that challenging circumstances can act as a test for couples, particularly when aspects of it unfold in the public eye.
She went on to explain that such pressure can bring underlying tensions to the surface, yet can equally strengthen the relationship when both partners respond as a united front rather than adversaries.
When questioned about how the couple can safeguard their relationship against the strains of the move, Georgina said: "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 provided a window into their lives on Instagram, showcasing their new countryside existence with clips of the family walking through woodland, the children cycling, and their dogs, Pula and Mia, adapting to the English rural surroundings.
Notably, their spokesperson confirmed that while their dogs accompanied them across the Atlantic, their rescue hens remained behind in California.
While the move surprised many observers, sources indicate it may not be entirely permanent, as the couple still maintain their Santa Barbara, California home. Meghan is expected to split her time internationally to oversee her lifestyle business, As Ever, while Prince Harry plans to remain actively engaged in the UK to work closely with his British-based charities, including WellChild and the Invictus Games.
