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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly preparing to relocate their family to Britain, marking their biggest change in family life since stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to move to the U.K. with their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, for an extended period beginning this month. The children are expected to start school in Britain in September, although details about their new school and the family's new home are being kept private.
Harry, 41, and Meghan, 45, will reportedly maintain their home in Montecito, California, as well as their vacation property in Portugal. Instead of returning to royal housing, the couple are establishing a private, non-royal base in Britain.
The move would give the family their first U.K. home base since they left Frogmore Cottage. The Windsor property was gifted to them by the late Queen Elizabeth, but King Charles later asked them to vacate it following the publication of Harry's 2023 memoir, Spare.
People understands that Charles was informed of the couple's plans on Aug. 16 and welcomes the opportunity to spend more time with the Sussexes privately. However, there will be no change to Harry and Meghan's status as private citizens and non-working members of the royal family.
The relocation comes shortly after the family visited Britain during the summer, when Archie and Lilibet reunited with their grandfather for the first time in more than four years.
Those close to the couple believe establishing a British base will allow Harry to spend more time supporting charities such as Scotty's Little Soldiers, WellChild and the Invictus community. Meghan, meanwhile, is expected to continue running her lifestyle company, As Ever, while pursuing other projects from the couple's international bases.
Security has remained a major concern for Harry since leaving royal duties. He and Meghan lost taxpayer-funded police protection after stepping back, leading Harry to launch a lengthy legal battle over the decision. His return with his family suggests he may now feel more comfortable establishing a base in Britain despite those concerns.
The Sussexes left Britain amid growing tensions with the royal family, particularly following their Oprah Winfrey interview, Netflix documentary and Harry's memoir.
Harry was already expected to return to Britain in September for WellChild and Invictus-related engagements. His interest in returning may have been hinted at last year when singer Joss Stone recalled that he was particularly interested in her decision to move her family back to Britain, including the benefits of British schools and community life for children.
