Prince Harry and Meghan Markle moved out of the UK, in late 2019 and in March 2020 they announced they would step down as senior members of the Royal Family. Since then, the couple has been surrounded by perpetual rumours.
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These rumours are about many things, from divorce to business ventures. Now, in October 2023, the rumours about possibility of the couple moving back to the UK are coming back. But how could this happen? Let’s see.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: Royals won’t give them a house
A return to the UK is possible for the couple as nothing prevents them from doing so. However, their move would most likely have to be solely planned by the Sussexes. Indeed, earlier in 2023, they had to give up Frogmore Cottage leaving them without permanent residence.
Beyond that, it is unlikely that members of the Royal Family will come to their rescue. Even though in August 2023 Prince William was rumoured to be able to help them, this was just a rumour and this issue has never been addressed by the Cambridges or the Sussexes.
There is also the problem of family issues. When Prince Harry released his memoir Spare, he made some serious accusations about his brother which are believed to have deeply damaged their relationship. It is also unlikely that King Charles III will step in and help his son after having him leave Frogmore.
On that a royal source speaking to OK! said:
They won’t be asking the King for a property on the royal estate due to the issue that arose with Frogmore Cottage.
Making use of a small apartment in Kensington Palace from time to time isn’t out of the question, but when it comes to a home in the UK, they will purchase that themselves.
The rumours about Prince Harry and Meghan moving to the UK are not about a permanent move but for a ‘part-time’ stay.
Prince Harry wants his children to grow up around family
According to Cosmopolitan, Prince Harry has chosen to look for property in London. The publication explains this as a sign the couple could be ‘keen to spend more time with the royal family.’
A move to the UK, even if part-time, would allow Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to spend time with their cousins and other members of their family. Duncan Larcombe, a former Royal Editor, explains to Cosmopolitan:
If they don't have a base here, Harry’s children are going to grow up not knowing their cousins, uncles or aunts, or any of their family.
They're growing up fast and his father isn't getting any younger. I think he would want to do this before it's too late.
If this supposed move to the UK is indeed on the table it would make sense as Prince Harry has expressed that he wants a relationship with his family. In an interview promoting her memoir in January 2023, Prince Harry famously said:
I sit here now, in front of you, asking for a family. Not an institution, a family.
Where would Archie and Lilibet go to school?
That is a difficult question to answer. Firstly because this ‘part-time’ move is just a rumour which means that questions of logistics aren’t at the forefront.
However, we can speculate. If the couple does indeed relocate to London, then there are plenty of schools the royal children could attend. They could, of course, follow the path of Prince George and Prince Charlotte and attend Thomas's School in Battersea. But depending on how long they would stay in London, private tutoring could also be an option.
Would a move to the UK mean Harry and Meghan are back in the Royal fold?
Since they moved to the US, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have had several business ventures that are in no way linked to the Royal Family. The couple set up the Archewell Foundation which is the closest thing to their former royal duties. But they have also produced a podcast and Netflix series, as well as written a memoir.
If they moved back to the UK, how much would they be able to continue these business ventures? Or would they be expected to join the Royal fold?
Once again, difficult questions to answer. If we look at Prince Andrew, who has also been shun away from the family, it appears that keeping a low profile is the way to go. However, one must not compare the two situations. Prince Andrew is associated with a known pedophile while the Sussexes left due to private reasons.
Now, if we look at Princess Eugenie, then there is hope that the Sussexes could be able to have ‘normal’ jobs as long as they don’t tarnish the image of the monarchy.
This move to the UK is far more complicated that the rumours lead to believe as it seems difficult that the Sussexes would be able to come back to the UK, have a relationship with the family and not have the institution interfere.
But, who knows what the future holds? Maybe the Windsors will surprise us.
Read more:
⋙ Prince Harry: A source claims he reconnected with his uncle and aunt - is this true?
⋙ Prince Harry and Meghan villainized once again by former royal staff in bombshell claim
⋙ Royal fans miss the close relationship between Kate and Prince Harry
Sources:
OK!: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 'Offering to Rent an Apartment at Kensington Palace' in Hopes of Showing Prince William They're Serious About Returning: Source
Economic Times: Want a family not an institution: Prince Harry
Cosmopolitan: Sweet reason why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are rumoured to be house hunting in the UK
My London: Royal Family: Prince George and Princess Charlotte's super posh London school which they will never go back to
