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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could be preparing to return to the UK within days, but their move may not necessarily be a permanent one.
Last week, reports emerged that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are planning to relocate to Britain with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The development marked a major change for the family after spending the past several years based in the United States.
Archie and Lilibet are also said to have already been enrolled at schools in Britain ahead of the family’s arrival. However, details about where they will study have not been disclosed, with their privacy and security remaining a priority.
Rather than returning to a royal property, Harry and Meghan are expected to settle in a privately owned residence. Its location is also being kept confidential for security reasons.
Despite the preparations surrounding their return, one major question remains unanswered: why the Sussexes have decided to move back to Britain now.
Although the Sussexes’ return has been widely interpreted as a major move back to the country they once publicly criticised, a source close to Harry and Meghan has suggested their stay in Britain may only be temporary.
Speaking to The Times, the insider explained that the couple have not yet decided how long they intend to remain in the UK.
“It’ll be an extended period of time — it could be six months, it could be a year, it could be more — I don’t think even they know yet,” the source said.
The insider also suggested that Harry and Meghan now have the freedom to change their plans whenever they wish, potentially choosing another country in the future.
“They might suddenly go: ‘Why don’t we try Canada for a while? Why don’t we try Australia?’ It’s one of the great things about being private individuals [that they can live where they choose].”
Harry and Meghan have yet to publicly address their reported return to Britain or explain what has prompted such a significant change in their family plans.
In the absence of an official explanation, speculation has continued to grow. One theory is that Harry wants to spend more time closer to his father, King Charles. Another suggests Meghan could have been offered a new acting opportunity based in the UK, although nothing has been confirmed.
The Sussex family are reportedly preparing to leave California before the end of August. Arriving at that point would give Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet some time to adjust to their new surroundings before beginning school in Britain.
Despite establishing a base in the UK, Harry and Meghan are not expected to give up their life overseas entirely. Reports suggest they will retain both their Montecito property in California and their holiday home in Portugal.
Even the family’s pets are reportedly part of the relocation arrangements. Their chickens are expected to remain at the Montecito property, while Harry and Meghan’s two dogs are said to be making the journey to Britain with the family.
