Return to the UK
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, have returned to the UK with their children, Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, after six years living in California. The couple landed on Wednesday and are believed to be residing in the Cotswolds, with the children enrolled in UK schools for the new term in September. The move follows a private meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla in July, as reported by the Daily Mirror.
The family's return marks a significant shift after they stepped back from royal duties in 2020. The Daily Mirror reports that the couple wanted their children to be educated in the UK, and some commentators have suggested that the King's ongoing health issues may have influenced the decision.
School Run Concerns
Meghan is reportedly nervous about doing the school run while security for the family remains unsettled. A friend told the Daily Mirror: "The school run is a tricky issue and I understand they are nervous about it." The couple have barely left the house since arriving, according to the same report.
The security situation has been a long-standing issue for Prince Harry. The Duke has lobbied several times to have his security detail assessed by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) but is said to still be awaiting the outcome he desires. Sources told the Daily Mirror that the Home Office is "actively assessing" Harry's case after he wrote personally to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood asking for a renewed assessment.
A Government spokesman said: "It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements..." — the rest of the statement was not reported.
School Rules for High-Profile Students
According to Page Six, the Sussexes' children are set to attend a private school in the UK, and parents in the Cotswolds have already been contacted about new rules for high-profile students. Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield exclusively told Page Six that school officials sent letters to families about these measures.
Schofield said the message essentially told families that "from time to time, some families joining the school may attract a greater level of public or media interest." The letter also stated that the school aims to ensure all children can enjoy school life in "a safe, happy, and private environment." It reminded parents not to photograph or film other children without permission, or to share photographs, information, or details about pupils or their families on social media.
Schofield heard from a source that the Sussexes had "approached multiple schools" before relocating. Page Six has chosen not to name the school for privacy reasons.
The couple had been searching for a home in the Cotswolds earlier this year, and royal journalist Tom Sykes told Page Six that Harry was drawn to the area because it is home to Charles and Camilla's Highgrove House. Sykes said Harry grew up there with his father and brother and has happy memories. The Cotswolds is known for attracting A-list homeowners like David and Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss and Simon Cowell, and is a two-hour drive from Windsor, where Prince William lives with Kate Middleton and their children.
Financial and Logistical Details
Page Six reported that the couple moved out of their $14 million Montecito estate last Wednesday and flew a six-figure charter on a private jet to the UK. The outlet also reported that Harry and Meghan turned to British hedge fund billionaire Ian Wace for financial help, though it is not believed that Wace is funding their entire stay.
Sources told Page Six that Harry wanted his kids to live closer to King Charles III, who revealed his cancer diagnosis in 2024, and wants Archie and Lilibet to build relationships with other royal family members. However, Page Six also reported that it is "highly unlikely" Harry's children will reunite with William's children amid ongoing tensions between the brothers. Prince George is expected to start Year 9 at Eton College next week, while Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis attend Lambrook School.