Why are Harry and Meghan moving back to the UK and when do they return?

PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle are moving back to Britain – six years after stepping down as working royals and relocating to the United States. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are making the long-term relocation alongside their children, Archie and Lilibet, while retaining their £11million Montecito estate and Portugal home, The Sun revealed in a world exclusive. Sources have confirmed the entire family have moved their return forward to settle into their new home Credit: Splash Several factors have driven the couple’s decision to establish a long-term base in the UK Credit: AFP When are Harry and Meghan returning to the UK? The family will arrive in the UK at the end of August, ahead of the new British academic school year starting in September. Harry was scheduled to visit London alone in mid-September for his UK patronages, including the WellChild Awards. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! But sources confirmed the entire family have moved their return forward to settle into their new home before term starts. The family is returning for an “extended period of time” and will remain based in Britain while Archie and Lilibet are in education. Read more on Harry & Meghan Why are the Sussexes moving back? Several factors have driven the couple’s decision to establish a long-term base in the UK. The primary driver for the move is schooling. Prince Archie, seven, is at prep school age, while Princess Lilibet, five, is eligible for Year One. Both children are enrolling in British schools for the upcoming academic year. Most read in The Sun The decision follows a quiet reunion between the couple and King Charles at Highgrove in July. While the King was only informed of the relocation plan shortly before the public announcement, the monarch has welcomed the opportunity to spend private time with his grandchildren. Harry’s right to reside in the United States has also faced intense scrutiny from US think tank The Heritage Foundation. The group mounted legal challenges demanding the release of his Homeland Security visa application following confessions in his memoir Spare regarding past drug use. Harry also maintains active ties with several British charities and patronages. Having a UK base will eliminate the need for frequent hotel stays or temporary palace rooms during trips. What are the terms of their UK return? The relocation will operate under strict conditions regarding public funding, royal duties, and accommodation. The Sussexes will not live in a royal property, having been evicted from Frogmore Cottage in 2023. They have secured a private residence, with location options including the Cotswolds and Northamptonshire. Harry will not carry out official royal duties or receive funding from the public purse. The couple will continue running their private commercial enterprises, including Meghan’s lifestyle brand As Ever. But the move reopens questions regarding the 2020 “Megxit” Sandringham Agreement, which banned mixing private-sector commercial work with official royal roles. It is understood that the family will not receive taxpayer-funded armed police protection, and are expected to instead rely on private security arrangements. Comment now