London. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning to return to live in Britain later this month, six years after leaving the country and establishing their home in California, according to reports in the British media.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to move with their two children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, to a private residence outside London. The children are reportedly enrolled to begin school in Britain in September.

There has been no official confirmation from the couple.

King Charles has reportedly been informed

King Charles III was reportedly informed on Sunday about the planned move. The return follows a meeting between Harry and his father at Highgrove in Gloucestershire last month, marking a significant moment in their relationship after years of tension.

According to reports, the King welcomes the prospect of seeing his son and grandchildren more frequently in a personal capacity.

However, Harry and Meghan are not expected to resume official royal duties. They will continue to live as private individuals after stepping down as senior working royals in 2020.

The couple will also retain their homes in California and Portugal, according to reports.

No return to official royal duties

Harry and Meghan's relocation does not mean a return to the working royal family.

The couple stepped down from their senior royal roles in 2020 following months of discussions with the late Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the Royal Family. They subsequently moved to the United States and established a new life in California.

Their status as private individuals is expected to remain unchanged.

The possibility of a “half-in, half-out” arrangement — allowing them to combine royal duties with commercial activities — was previously rejected by the Royal Family.

Harry's security remains a key issue

Security has been one of the most sensitive issues surrounding Harry's return to Britain.

The Duke has repeatedly argued that he does not feel comfortable bringing his wife and children to the UK without adequate police protection. In 2025, he lost a legal challenge over the decision concerning his security arrangements.

Harry later said he wanted reconciliation with his family and described the security dispute as a major obstacle.

The British government has declined to provide details about the couple's security arrangements, saying that protective measures are based on individual risk assessments and that disclosing information could compromise their effectiveness.

The Sussexes are not generally entitled to taxpayer-funded police protection while in Britain, except when they are within royal residences.

Harry and William remain estranged

The planned return also raises questions about Harry's relationship with his older brother, Prince William.

The two brothers have remained largely estranged following years of disagreements and public criticism involving members of the Royal Family.

Royal commentators have suggested that Harry's permanent presence in Britain could create new pressure for the brothers to repair their relationship.

Former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt said the return could eventually raise the possibility of “two rival courts” surrounding William and Harry, although the brothers' relationship remains unresolved.

Education could be behind the move

The decision to send Archie and Lilibet to school in Britain appears to be one of the most significant factors in the family's relocation.

Education Secretary Lucy Powell welcomed the reported move, suggesting that the couple's decision could contribute to a broader reconciliation within the Royal Family.

“I hope that this is all part of a bigger reconciliation for the family,” Powell said, while noting that Harry and Meghan remain private citizens.

The decision would also give the children a closer connection to their father's country and to members of the British Royal Family.

A new chapter for the Sussexes

The return comes at a significant moment for Harry and Meghan, who have built a commercial and media career in the United States since leaving Britain.

The couple signed a multi-year agreement with Netflix in 2025 after their original five-year deal, reportedly worth around $100 million, produced several projects.

Their media ventures have had mixed results. Their agreement with Spotify ended in 2023 after the production of 12 podcast episodes.

Harry has also remained involved in several legal disputes in Britain, including cases involving security and privacy.

A YouGov poll published in July showed that the couple continues to face a divided public opinion in Britain, with Meghan viewed negatively by a majority of respondents and Harry also receiving more negative than positive ratings.

Despite the controversies that have surrounded their relationship with the Royal Family since 2020, their return could mark a new chapter for the Sussexes — and potentially provide an opportunity for greater contact between Harry, his father and the rest of the Royal Family.