The Duke and Duchess of Sussex reportedly met with Geri and Christian Horner at their Cotswolds home earlier this summer, before deciding to return to the UK. However, a spokesperson for Harry and Meghan said that while the pair were "great fans of Geri and Christian," they had not met.
Last week, it was revealed that the Duke and Duchess were moving back to the United Kingdom, six years after leaving for Montecito, California. In January 2020, it was announced that the Sussexes would step back from their roles as senior working royals and carve out a financially independent life, with the backing of Harry's late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth.
Children Enrolled in UK School
Now, six years on, their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, have been enrolled in a UK school. While details about their move are being kept under wraps, it has been reported that the Sussexes met with the Horners at their £9.2 million Grade II-listed home in the Cotswolds last month.
Geri and Meghan are believed to have struck up a close bond, and it's reported that former F1 boss Christian has been in regular contact with Harry. "Meghan and Geri in particular have become increasingly friendly and have been in ever more regular contact in recent weeks," a source told the Mail. They added: "Christian has also had a number of conversations with Harry; they are friends. Geri is absolutely buzzing about the relationship - and she's loving being involved from the inside in their return to UK."
Spokesperson Denies Summit
The source went on to say that both Geri and Christian see themselves as being a "key part" in Harry and Meghan's new friendship group. However, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess has told the Mirror that while Harry and Meghan are indeed "great fans" of the couple, there was no lunch or "summit," and "no discussion about the Duke and Duchess's return to the UK."
Their spokesperson added that Geri and Christian are not "advising" the Duke and Duchess on their return to the UK, and that the Horners had not been asked to do so. A spokesperson for Christian declined to comment.
Return Expected in Coming Days
The Sussexes are expected to return to the UK in the coming days, ahead of the new school year starting next week. It is understood there will be no change to Harry and Meghan's role and status as private individuals and non-working members of the royal family. The King, who is still living with cancer, was first made aware of the move on Sunday, only three days before it was made public, but is understood to welcome the opportunity to see more of the family both in a private and personal capacity.
Their status will remain the same, with the couple not offered a "half-in-half-out" option regarding their roles. The Sussexes will retain their homes in Montecito, California, and Portugal, while the duchess will continue to run her lifestyle brand As Ever from their new base. The Mirror has approached Geri Horner's spokesperson for comment.
