Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly kept their Montecito mansion while settling into life in the Cotswolds, suggesting they may yet return to the US. According to News24, the Sussexes have neither sold nor rented the property, which is apparently being maintained by staff.
Sussexes keep options open after UK return
The couple, who returned to the UK in August, have reportedly held onto their Montecito residence. A source told News24 that the property is still in their possession, leaving the door open for a potential U-turn if things do not work out in the UK.
While there has been no confirmation on whether Harry and Meghan will remain in Britain long-term, King Charles would no doubt be disappointed at losing the chance to spend more time with his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
School security concerns mount
Prior to the News24 report, the Sussexes faced significant challenges. The couple was recently forced to pull Archie and Lilibet out of their new schools and enrol them elsewhere, following security concerns about the morning school run.
A spokesperson for the couple issued a statement on Wednesday (30 September) after it was revealed that two international paparazzi photographers had been spotted surveilling Archie and Lilibet's school.
"The decision by photographers to conduct themselves in this way around a school is extraordinarily reckless," the statement began. "There is a world of difference between legitimate media activity and photographers walking the perimeter of a school, stopping to look into the grounds and monitoring children as they go about their day."
"It is concerning enough that certain European paparazzi appear unwilling to respect the privacy of children at school. But to behave in this manner in these particular circumstances, and so soon after the incident at RAF Fairford, demonstrates an extraordinary lack of judgment."
Security review could shape future
Harry and Meghan, who are classed as "private citizens" under the King's guidance, have been attempting to secure taxpayer-funded security for their family. RAVEC, the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, has yet to confirm a decision.
In a recent article published by the Daily Mail's Alison Boshoff, the Editor at Large wrote that those close to Harry and Meghan had suggested that the outcome of RAVEC's security review could impact their decision to either stay or leave the UK.
