Prince Harry plans to return to the United Kingdom with his family, aiming to provide his children with a British schooling experience and live a more hands-on family life. Sources close to the Duke of Sussex indicate that Harry intends to be based in the UK during term times for the next 15 years, until his children Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, complete their education. Although Harry anticipates occasional trips back to the United States, he views these transatlantic journeys as manageable, with some business partners reportedly willing to fund his travel by private jet.
This move reflects a significant shift for Harry, who has spoken candidly about his lack of social connections and sense of belonging during his time in California. A close associate noted that Harry “had no life in California, no friends,” and found little common ground with those around him. In contrast, Harry has expressed a strong desire to reconnect with the culture and lifestyle of the UK, emphasizing the unique aspects of British life in an essay he wrote last year, where he celebrated traditional social spaces such as pubs and sports clubs.
In addition to family commitments, Harry will continue his involvement in public engagements, including preparations for the Invictus Games scheduled for Birmingham next summer. He also plans to maintain patronages like WellChild, which holds its annual awards ceremony in London each September. Meanwhile, Meghan Markle is expected to balance her time between the UK and the US, continuing work on her lifestyle brand As Ever and pursuing development projects through Archewell Productions, although some industry insiders are skeptical about the long-term viability of these ventures.
Financially, the Sussexes are said to be funding the relocation independently. A royal source has confirmed that Prince Charles will not provide any personal financial support for the move. Harry, 41, is relying on his inheritance from the late Princess Diana and the Queen Mother, alongside earnings from his bestselling memoir “Spare” and a reported £30 million deal with Netflix.
Security arrangements remain a contentious issue. Harry currently has limited police liaison support but continues to seek more substantial state-funded protection following previous legal disputes. His legal representatives have reportedly reached out to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to request her intervention. While some public figures have voiced support for Harry’s security needs, public opinion remains largely opposed, with only a small minority endorsing public funding for his protection.
As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex embark on this new chapter, their return to Britain brings both hopes for a fresh start and challenges related to public scrutiny and security concerns.