Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Harry and Meghan Plan Extended UK Return With Children
Prince Harry and Meghan are planning to spend much more time in the United Kingdom.
Their children may attend a private British school.
The family will still keep its main home in California and a holiday home in Portugal.
They are reportedly renting a private house outside London.
This house will not belong to the royal family.
Harry and Meghan say security has been a major problem when visiting Britain.
Harry lost legal challenges over receiving automatic police protection.
The family will use private guards and coordinate with British authorities.
Harry’s charity work, especially the Invictus Games, is another reason for spending time in Britain.
They are returning for personal and charitable reasons, not to become working royals again.
Prince Harry and Meghan plan an extended UK stay while keeping their main home in California.
Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are reportedly enrolled in a private British school.
The couple has leased a private residence outside London rather than returning to royal property.
The arrangement follows disputes over Frogmore Cottage, taxpayer-funded security and Harry’s legal appeals.
Harry’s work with the Invictus Games, including the 2027 Birmingham event, is expected to require UK travel.
- Who
- Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
- What
- They are planning an extended return to the UK and have reportedly arranged a private home and British schooling for the children.
- When
- The children are expected to begin the British academic term later this year; the broader return is planned over the coming period.
- Where
- At a private residence outside London, while the family retains its home in Montecito, California, and a holiday property in Portugal.
- Why
- The move is intended to support family life and Harry’s charitable work, particularly the Invictus Games, while avoiding renewed royal duties.
Harry and Meghan's Position
British Government and Royal Establishment's Position
Police protection
Harry and Meghan's Position
Harry argues that his family faces continuing security threats because of his public profile, birth status and military service, and he offered to reimburse the government for police protection.
British Government and Royal Establishment's Position
RAVEC and the courts determined that Harry’s protection should be assessed case by case because he is no longer a full-time representative of the Crown.
Where the family should stay
Harry and Meghan's Position
The Sussexes have chosen a private property outside London with independent security to avoid disputes over royal accommodation and protection.
British Government and Royal Establishment's Position
Royal estates have existing security systems, but the article describes uncertainty about whether state protection would apply beyond those estates.
Their relationship with royal duties
Harry and Meghan's Position
Harry and Meghan are establishing a personal and charitable UK base while maintaining their independence in the United States.
British Government and Royal Establishment's Position
The arrangement is being kept separate from official royal schedules and does not restore the couple to the working royal family.
- Royal status
- The couple does not plan to resume official royal duties or become working royals.
- Children
- Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have reportedly been enrolled in a private British school.
- UK residence
- Harry and Meghan have leased a private, non-royal property outside London; its exact location has not been disclosed.
- Frogmore Cottage
- The Sussexes left the Windsor property in June 2023 after King Charles III requested that they vacate it.
- Security ruling
- The High Court upheld the change to Harry’s security arrangements in February 2024, and the Court of Appeal dismissed his challenge in May 2025.
- Invictus Games
- Birmingham is scheduled to host the eighth Invictus Games in July 2027.
- Current US base
- The family intends to maintain its primary residence in Montecito, California.