Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle are planning to relocate from California to the United Kingdom, according to reports from British media on August 19, 2026. The couple, along with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are expected to return later this month. They previously stepped back from their senior royal roles and moved to California during the COVID-19 pandemic. The family is anticipated to maintain residences in Montecito, California, and Portugal, with the children set to start school in September.
The decision follows a period of strained relations between Harry and the royal family. In July, King Charles III met with Harry, Meghan, and their children at Highgrove House, marking their first family gathering since the tensions began. The rift was exacerbated by Harry and Meghan's 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, where they made allegations regarding concerns about their son Archie's skin color, as well as subsequent media projects that included criticism of the royal family.
Harry has expressed a desire for reconciliation with his family, particularly in light of his father's health issues. He has previously visited the UK without Meghan for significant family events, including the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles's coronation. While King Charles is reportedly supportive of the couple's return, some public figures have expressed skepticism regarding their motives and the timing of their move.