Where will Harry and Meghan live in the UK? What we know about potential Cotswolds and Althorp relocation plans

PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle are heading back to Britain for “an extended period of time” with their children – and are shunning royal properties for a private residence. With school terms starting at the beginning of September, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have locked in UK accommodation while retaining their £11million Montecito mansion in California and their property in Portugal, The Sun revealed in a world exclusive. The Cotswolds remains the primary candidate for the couple’s new British base Credit: AP The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have locked in UK accommodation while retaining their £11million Montecito mansion in California and their property in Portugal Credit: AFP While exact locations are being kept secret for security reasons, several prime regions fit the Sussexes’ requirement for privacy, security, and access to top schools. Archie, seven, is of prep school age, while Lilibet, five, is eligible for Year One. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Sussex representatives have declined to reveal the childrens’ school locations, citing safety concerns. It remains unconfirmed whether the Home Office has adjusted its security stance or if the family will rely entirely on private bodyguards. Read more on Harry & Meghan Could Meghan and Harry live in the Cotswolds? The Cotswolds remains the primary candidate for the couple’s new British base. Known for discreet luxury and rolling countryside, the area offers high security far from central London. Situated near King Charles’s Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire, a Cotswolds home allows convenient access for private family visits following the couple’s quiet reunion with the King in July. The region is popular with American celebrities seeking quiet living, including former talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, a long-time friend of Meghan who once resided there. Most read in The Sun The area offers access to top-tier independent schools suitable for Archie and Lilibet. Could Meghan and Harry live in Northamptonshire? Another strong possibility is the Northamptonshire countryside surrounding Althorp House, the Spencer family estate. Harry has maintained close ties with his uncle, Earl Spencer. The Sussexes stayed at Althorp during recent trips to Britain, and the family previously visited Princess Diana’s grave on the estate. Purchasing or renting a private gated estate in the area would offer high perimeter security away from royal property while keeping Harry connected to his mother’s ancestral home. Where else could they live? A private estate in Surrey, Berkshire, or Oxfordshire would also place the family within striking distance of London while maintaining a secluded perimeter. A residence near the capital would allow Harry to attend UK charity commitments, such as the WellChild Awards, without needing hotel stays or palace accommodation. The Home Counties also contain some of the country’s most established independent primary and prep schools. Why won’t they live in a royal residence? The Sussexes will not be moving into a royal residence. Following their eviction from Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, the couple have been without an official UK home. In line with their step-back from official duties, Harry and Meghan are returning strictly in a private capacity. The family will receive no public funding for their UK living arrangements or security, continuing to fund their lifestyle through private ventures, including Meghan’s lifestyle brand As Ever. Although Harry was previously offered temporary rooms at Buckingham Palace for short visits, the family chose a standalone home for their multi-year stay. Comment now