All eyes are on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as speculation swirls over a possible return to the U.K.. Still, insiders say the couple has no plans to leave their California home anytime soon. A new report in People claims the couple has no plans to move back to the U.K.
This comes after growing speculation fueled by a meeting between the Duke of Sussex’s team and a senior member of King Charles’ staff.
(Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)A source close to the couple told People that Harry and Meghan are “very happy living in and raising their family in California” and currently have no plans to leave. The couple, who relocated to the U.S. in 2020 after stepping back from their royal duties, remains rooted in their Montecito home, where they’ve embraced a quiet, community-oriented lifestyle.
Why Harry’s Meeting With the Palace Was a “Good First Step”
(Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)Rumors of a possible return gained traction following a July 9 meeting between Harry’s chief of staff, Meredith Maines, U.K. spokesperson Liam Maguire, and the King’s communications secretary, Tobyn Andreae.
Insiders saw the sit-down as a hopeful gesture to reopen lines of communication between Harry and his father, King Charles. “It was a good first step,” a source informed People. “It is always better to be talking.”
Still, the meeting doesn’t signal any plans for relocation. While Harry is expected to continue visiting the U.K. for his charitable work and patronages, the family has no intention of leaving California.
Meghan-Harry’s Life in Montecito
(Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)After their 2018 wedding, the couple lived at Kensington Palace’s Nottingham Cottage. It later moved to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor before relocating to the U.S. They were asked to vacate Frogmore in 2020. Now raising Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in Meghan’s home state, the couple has spoken warmly about life in Montecito.
“It’s a dream,” Meghan shared with People earlier this year while discussing playdates and school drop-offs. “But I also know that being part of a community means you put effort into it.”
The couple even hosted a winter break camp for other local families, complete with obstacle courses and face painting.
Prince Harry Misses the U.K.—But Doesn’t Feel Safe Returning
(Photo by Simon Dawson - WPA Pool/Getty Images)Despite embracing life in the U.S., Harry has been candid about the complicated emotions he feels about his homeland. In a legal effort to reinstate his state-funded U.K. security, he said he “does not feel safe” bringing his family back. After recently losing that appeal, he told the BBC, “I can’t see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the U.K. at this point.”
(Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)He added, “I miss the U.K., I miss parts of the U.K., of course I do. I think that it’s really quite sad that I won’t be able to show my children my homeland.”
U.S. Citizenship? Harry Has “Considered” It
While speaking with Good Morning America in 2024, Harry shared that he’s “considered” becoming a U.S. citizen, though it’s “not a high priority.” When asked how he’s enjoying life in America, the Duke replied, “It’s amazing. I love every single day.”
. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS - WPA Pool/Getty Images)As for whether he feels American, he laughed: “Do I feel American? Um, no. I don’t know how I feel.”
For now, the Sussexes appear settled, surrounded by sun, community, and the freedom they sought when they stepped back from royal life.
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Are Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Moving Back to UK?