ROYAL FAMILY NEWSPrince Harry and Meghan Markle Had Been 'Privately Discussing' U.K. Comeback for a 'Couple of Years,' Source Claims
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced their return to the U.K. on August 19.
Aug. 24 2026, Published 2:36 p.m. ET
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to return to England later this month for a prolonged period of time.
While the news shocked fans when it was announced on August 19, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reportedly been thinking about the move for quite a while.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Left The Firm in 2020
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry had been thinking about leaving the U.S. for a while, an insider claimed.
Harry, 41, and Meghan, 45, "had been privately discussing returning to the U.K. for a couple of years," a source told The Times on Sunday, August 23.
The couple infamously stepped back as senior members of the royal family back in January 2020 and moved to Montecito, Calif., in an attempt to become financially independent.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Are Sending Their Kids to School in England
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's children are expected to start school in the U.K. next month.
The Suits star and the Spare author are moving back to England with their kids, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, who are set to begin school in the country next month.
According to The Times, Harry and Meghan had to pause their move until they found out about their children's education status.
"They had to wait to be told whether or not their children had got in [to school] — just like many other people waiting in mid-August," an insider said.
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- Inside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle U.K. Return: Pair Have 'Secured a Private, Non-Royal Home in Britain' Outside of London
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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will be moving into a private, non-royal home outside of London.
"They weren't able to confirm their plans until very late in the day, because the school works to their own timetable. There was no special treatment," they added.
The name of the school, as well as the private, non-royal residence where the couple will reside outside of London, will also not be disclosed to the public.
Harry is also reportedly hoping Archie will take up rugby and cricket while at school, as the prince "wants to watch more rugby matches upon his return," the publication noted.
King Charles Found Out About the Sussexes' Return on August 16
King Charles learned of the Sussexes' move just days before the official announcement was made.
Conversations about Meghan and Harry's move "were kept to a very tight circle," the source said — however, the Invictus Games founder had "been talking about it so much that it became something of a joke among" their camp.
"I thought I'd believe it when I see it," a source explained. "But actually, the stars aligned — it's perfect timing in terms of the children's schooling, there appeared to be a good acting opportunity here [for Meghan], and also the draw of family — not just being closer to King Charles, but the Spencers [Princess Diana's family], with whom Harry is very close."
According to People, the Sussexes reportedly made Charles, 77, "aware" of their return just three days before their official announcement, with the monarch "welcoming" the opportunity to spend more time with them in a "private and personal capacity."
