Meghan Markle's latest Christmas launch has raised fresh questions over when Prince Harry and Meghan's reported move back to the UK was actually decided. The Duchess of Sussex has unveiled As Ever's first Holiday Advent Calendar, created with Los Angeles chocolatier Compartes and inspired by the Sussexes' Montecito home.
The calendar is shaped like the couple's California property and features illustrations of their chickens, with the treats inside also drawing inspiration from their house and garden. The distinctly California-themed launch has prompted speculation about the timing of the Sussexes' reported UK return, with the latest project seemingly offering a clue that the move may have been a relatively recent decision.
Planning and Production Timeline
The calendar would likely have required considerable planning and production time, meaning it may have been developed before any decision about relocating to Britain was made, according to Women and Home. It also comes as Harry and Meghan continue to maintain their Montecito home, despite reports that the family has been spending more time in Britain.
The couple's children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have reportedly started attending school in the UK, while Harry has spoken positively about being back in Britain. Harry recently said: "It's been great. It's been great to be back on British soil. The kids are happy in school and it gives me a chance to be able to really focus on the Invictus Games."
Schooling Changes and Royal Visits
The timing of the family's move has also raised questions. Harry and Meghan visited King Charles and Queen Camilla in July, but insiders later suggested the King was only informed about their move shortly before the news became public in August. There has also been a change involving Archie and Lilibet's schooling.
The children were initially enrolled at one school before being moved to another just days later. Their security team was reportedly concerned about the distance and traffic involved in the original school run.
Speculation Over the Move's Duration
ITV Royal Editor Chris Ship said in September: "The decision to relocate was taken so quickly last month, no one had experienced the real-life school run." That has led to speculation that the Sussexes' return may have been planned over months rather than being a long-standing arrangement.
A source close to the Sussexes previously told The Times that the return was expected to be for an "extended period of time" rather than necessarily being permanent.
