Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Harry and Meghan Plan Extended Return to Britain
Prince Harry and Meghan moved from Britain to California after deciding not to work as senior royals.
They have lived in the United States for about six years.
They later spoke publicly about difficult experiences with members of the royal family.
Meghan discussed racism and serious mental-health distress, while Harry discussed problems with his father.
Harry also wrote a book describing arguments with his family.
He has disagreed with British authorities about his security when visiting Britain.
A court rejected his latest challenge about that security.
Harry has said he wants to repair his relationship with his family.
The couple reportedly plans to spend a longer period in Britain with their two children, but they will not become working royals again.
Harry and Meghan announced in January 2020 that they would step down as working royals and moved to California in June.
Their 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview included allegations about racism, suicidal thoughts and Harry’s strained relationship with King Charles.
Harry’s memoir Spare described conflicts with Prince William and other details about his family relationships.
Harry lost his legal challenge over changes to his police protection in Britain on May 2, 2025.
The couple reportedly plans to move Archie and Lilibet to Britain for an extended period in August 2026 without resuming royal duties.
- Who
- Prince Harry, Meghan, their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, and members of the British royal family.
- What
- A timeline covers the couple’s move to California, public family disputes, Harry’s security lawsuit and their reported plan to return to Britain temporarily or for an extended period.
- When
- The events span January 2020 through the reported August 2026 move; Harry lost his security appeal on May 2, 2025.
- Where
- The events involve California, Britain and London.
- Why
- Harry and Meghan stepped down from working royal duties, while security arrangements and strained family relationships remained continuing issues.
Harry and Meghan’s concerns
Royal family and official outcomes
Family allegations
Harry and Meghan’s concerns
Harry and Meghan described allegations involving racism, mental-health distress and difficult relationships with royal family members. Harry later detailed conflicts with Prince William in Spare.
Royal family and official outcomes
The late Queen Elizabeth said the issues, particularly race, were concerning and would be taken seriously, while noting that some recollections might vary and that the family would address them privately.
Security in Britain
Harry and Meghan’s concerns
Harry challenged changes to his police protection, and his lawyer said during the appeal that his life was at stake. Harry later linked the dispute to his father no longer speaking to him.
Royal family and official outcomes
Harry lost his legal challenge over the security arrangements on May 2, 2025. The articles do not provide a detailed public response from the Home Office or Metropolitan Police.
Future royal role
Harry and Meghan’s concerns
The couple reportedly plans to spend an extended period in Britain with their children while remaining outside official royal duties.
Royal family and official outcomes
The reported return does not involve resuming working-royal responsibilities, and the articles do not say that the royal family has endorsed the plan.
- Working royal status
- Harry and Meghan announced in January 2020 that they would step down as working royals.
- Move to California
- The couple moved to Meghan’s native California in June 2020.
- Oprah interview
- In March 2021, the couple discussed allegations involving racism, suicidal thoughts and Harry’s relationship with King Charles.
- Children
- Their daughter Lilibet was born in June 2021; the couple also has a son, Prince Archie.
- Security case
- Harry challenged changes to his police protection in Britain and lost his legal challenge on May 2, 2025.
- Family reconciliation
- Harry said in May 2025 that he wanted reconciliation with the British royal family.
- Reported return
- Media reports said the family plans to move to Britain for an extended period in August 2026, with the children starting school there in September.
