Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are said to have grown close to Geri and Christian Horner in recent weeks, ahead of their return to the UK. The couple are set to make the surprise move back at the end of this month and have enrolled their children, Archie and Lilibet, in a local school.
The royals stepped back from their official duties six years ago, leaving the UK for California and a series of lucrative media deals. It has now been reported that the Horners have been advising the couple on their return, after hosting Meghan and Harry for lunch at their Cotswolds home, once a permanent fixture on Netflix's Drive to Survive series.
Decision to move back
It is understood that the Sussexes joined them at their countryside mansion while visiting the UK in July. During this trip, the couple are said to have decided to move back to the UK, and they reportedly discussed what life in the UK would look like with the Horners, according to a report in the Daily Mail.
A source close to the Horners told the publication: 'Meghan and Geri in particular have become increasingly friendly and have been in ever more regular contact in recent weeks. Christian has also had a number of conversations with Harry. They are friends.'
Friendship group
They added: 'Geri is absolutely buzzing about the relationship – and she's loving being involved from the inside in their return to the UK. Christian is a bit more circumspect – less overawed. But both of them are aware that the Sussexes will be relaunching themselves socially in a matter of days and they see themselves as potentially a key part of this new friendship group.'
The Sussexes are believed to have stayed in the Cotswolds during their UK visit this summer, and Meghan is said to have been in 'regular contact' with the Spice Girls star regarding their move. Prince Harry meanwhile is said to have been in 'regular telephone contact' with the former Red Bull boss, who was sacked from the F1 team last year.
Not a permanent move
However, it has been reported that Harry and Meghan may not stay long in the UK, according to a Sunday Times report. Two sources close to the Sussexes told the paper that the couple did not expect their move to be 'forever'. The move will make it easier for the duke to visit his father King Charles, though hopes of a thawing of tensions with his brother Prince William may be premature.
Royal expert Duncan Lanscombe told Metro he 'can't see any reconciliation with William as far as things stand' after Harry and Meghan made various accusations during their time away. Metro contacted the Sussexes and the Horners for comment on this story.
