Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, along with their children Archie and Lili, have returned to the United Kingdom and are reportedly planning to establish a new home in the Cotswolds. The family arrived in the UK on Wednesday via private jet, landing at Birmingham Airport, before being swiftly transported to a spare house on the estate of a wealthy acquaintance located on the outskirts of the Cotswolds. Sources indicate that the couple intends to stay there indefinitely as they continue their search for a permanent residence in the region.

Archie, aged seven, and Lili, five, are scheduled to begin attending the same nearby preparatory school early next week. Although recent reports suggested the Sussexes had agreed to purchase a £12 million property, multiple sources have clarified that no purchase has yet been made. The couple is actively house-hunting with significant financial resources at their disposal, considering several options in an active housing market. Friends of the couple note that Meghan has specific desires for their future home, reportedly seeking nine bedrooms and a film studio, while Harry prioritizes privacy and substantial land without public footpaths crossing the property.

The move marks a notable shift for the Sussex family, who previously resided primarily in California. Despite speculation that they might need to sell their £11.1 million Montecito mansion, sources deny this, stating the couple plans to retain their U.S. residence and spend holidays there or at their £6.3 million property in Portugal. They are expected to spend Christmas in California as well.

Friends describe this relocation as part of an “English countryside dream” and liken it to a new chapter or “Finding Freedom II,” referencing the couple’s earlier biography about their departure from royal duties for a fresh start in America. The decision to return to the UK appears driven by a desire for greater privacy and a more traditional family life, especially for their children. The Sussexes are reportedly focused on providing the children with a nurturing environment that emphasizes outdoor activities and community, rather than prioritizing academic prestige. Harry’s own experiences at Ludgrove prep school, remembered for its rural setting and close-knit atmosphere, seem to influence these choices.

While the couple intends to live as private citizens in the UK, they plan no commercial activities there for the foreseeable future, aiming to respect the agreement struck with the late Queen Elizabeth II that allows them to earn income without representing themselves as working royals. However, some observers question the practicality of this distinction, noting that Harry remains a member of the royal family and may continue charitable engagements, particularly those relating to military causes.

Regarding Meghan’s professional activities, she is expected to focus her lifestyle brand, As Ever, primarily on the U.S. market, with any UK-based filming intended exclusively for American audiences. Friends anticipate she might develop a film studio at their eventual new home to produce content aligned with her interests.

Critics of the couple have questioned the juxtaposition of their public disclosures and their claimed desire for privacy. Nevertheless, friends emphasize that Harry and Meghan are not seeking to reintegrate into the royal family and that the move to the UK is motivated by personal and family considerations rather than a return to official royal duties. Harry, who is fifth in line to the throne, has explicitly stated that he does not intend to resume a formal role within the British monarchy.