Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Plan Return to the U.K. After Waiting on School Admissions
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are preparing to relocate their family back to the United Kingdom by late August, culminating private discussions that have been underway for years.
According to a detailed report from The Times, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex only finalized their timeline after receiving formal admissions confirmations for their children, Prince Archie (7) and Princess Lilibet (5).
The Waiting Game: School Admissions as the Catalyst
Insiders revealed that despite their royal status, the couple underwent standard admissions timelines without preferential treatment:
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Equal Processing: “They had to wait to be told whether or not their children had got in—just like many other people waiting in mid-August,” a source told The Times. “There was no special treatment.”
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Day-School Education: Archie and Lilibet are enrolled as day pupils at an undisclosed private school outside London, mirroring their cousins Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at Lambrook, while Prince George prepares to board at Eton College.
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Family Roots and Sports: Harry is reportedly enthusiastic about introducing Archie to cricket and rugby while reconnecting with British sporting culture.
Aligning Timing and Family Dynamics
The relocation decision crystallizes several personal and professional factors:
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Notice to King Charles: Harry and Meghan informed King Charles of their impending move on August 16—following preliminary discussions during a July visit to Highgrove—before the news became public.
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Family and Career Draws: The move places the family closer to King Charles and Princess Diana’s family, the Spencers, while aligning with emerging British acting opportunities for Meghan.
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Persistent Fratricidal Rift: The move comes despite continued distance between Harry and Prince William, with royal insiders noting that communication between the brothers remains non-existent since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022.
A Flexible Horizon
While relocating their primary residence outside London, the Sussexes plan to maintain their global real estate holdings, including their Montecito mansion and vacation home in Portugal. Sources emphasize the move represents an extended chapter rather than a permanent return, leaving the door open for future international stays.