The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are relocating their family to Britain this month, enrolling their children in British schools while maintaining their status as private, non-working members of the royal family.
The move, first reported by The Telegraph on August 19, 2026, marks a significant shift for the couple who stepped down from senior royal duties in March 2020 and established their home in Montecito, California.
Harry and Meghan plan to settle into a private, non-royal residence outside of London before the end of August 2026, with their children starting school in September. Prince Archie, 7, will enter Year Three, while Princess Lilibet, 5, is enrolled in Year One. The specific school has not been disclosed, though royal observers note the Sussexes are not expected to choose boarding school.
The family will maintain their homes in Montecito, California and their vacation property in Portugal, though real estate sources suggest they may eventually list the US mansion due to high upkeep costs.
Royal status remains unchanged
King Charles III was informed of the couple’s plans on Sunday, August 16, 2026, and welcomes the opportunity to see more of his son and grandchildren in a private capacity. However, there will be no alterations to Harry and Meghan’s roles within the royal family—they will remain private individuals and non-working royals, as agreed with the late Queen Elizabeth II when they left in 2020.
Buckingham Palace has not issued an official comment on the planned move.
Family dynamics
The relocation follows a secret family reunion at Highgrove House earlier in the summer—the first time Archie and Lilibet met their grandfather in over four years. According to Vanity Fair and multiple royal commentators, King Charles, who is currently undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, is pleased to have more opportunity for family togetherness.
However, Prince William and Kate Middleton reportedly feel “blindsided” by the announcement, which broke in US media rather than through official royal channels.
Sources describe William as “absolutely fuming”, with concerns that Harry and Meghan may be positioning for a larger role within the Royal Family long-term.
Royal experts have warned of the potential for a “rival royal court” that could create friction for William and Kate when they eventually become King and Queen.
Prince William has reportedly made it clear to both his father and senior aides that there is “no way back” for the Sussexes to rejoin the Royal Family in an official capacity unless they properly acknowledge the damage they’ve done.
Security costs: A major flashpoint
One of the most contentious issues surrounding the return is security. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated the state will not provide the Sussexes’ day-to-day security, following Harry’s loss of his High Court battle in May 2025 over his right to taxpayer-funded protection in the UK.
Former Metropolitan Police chief Dal Babu estimates that security for the couple could cost “millions of pounds” if granted, while other sources suggest a potential annual bill of up to £5million ($6.8million). Any private security the Sussexes pay for themselves in the UK cannot be armed, raising additional safety concerns.
I can’t see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the UK at this point.
Prince Harry told the BBC in May 2025.
Business ventures: Netflix deal downgraded, As Ever stands alone
The move comes as the couple’s Hollywood entertainment deals undergo significant shifts. Their initial Netflix contract—widely reported at $100million over five years—was extended in August 2025 for a substantially smaller amount following a broader downturn in the entertainment industry and underperformance of several projects.
In March 2026, Netflix and Meghan’s lifestyle brand As Ever announced they were ending their brand partnership, with industry sources telling Page Six that “her show did not go on so it did not make sense to continue the partnership.” With Love, Meghan was not recommissioned for a third season amid falling ratings.
The couple’s Spotify deal, valued at approximately $20million in 2020, has also ended. Archewell Productions retains a first-look deal with Netflix, but the overall value of their media portfolio has contracted significantly from its peak.
Meghan continues to operate As Ever as an independent lifestyle brand, which recently transitioned to standing completely on its own after the Netflix partnership concluded.
What this means for the Royal Family
The Sussexes’ return introduces new complexities to an already strained family dynamic. While King Charles appears to welcome private family time, the presence of Harry and Meghan in the UK—potentially for an extended period throughout their children’s schooling—raises questions about media attention, security logistics, and the long-term positioning of the two branches of the family.
Royal contributors note that the move does not signal a return to royal duties, but it does reopen conversations about reconciliation, accountability, and what role—if any—the Sussexes might play in the future of the monarchy.
For now, the family’s focus appears to be on establishing a stable home base for Archie and Lilibet’s education, while navigating the practical and political challenges of returning to Britain as private citizens with global recognition.
