The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are understood to be relocating to Britain later this month, returning to live in the UK with their two children after six years based in California. Reports say the family will move into a non-royal residence outside London and that their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, are enrolled to start school in September.
Timing and immediate arrangements
Sourced accounts indicate the move was decided recently and follows a family reunion in July when the Sussexes visited the King at Highgrove in Gloucestershire. The couple are said to have spent time in Europe earlier this summer, including Portugal, where they have a home. The trip is reported to have helped crystallise their decision to base themselves closer to Harry’s family and to have prompted the selection of schools for their children.
The palace was informed of the couple’s plans on Sunday, according to the reports. The Prince and Princess of Wales have also been told. There has been no official comment from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex about the reported move.
Royal status and family relations
Those close to the situation have emphasised that the Sussexes will retain their status as private individuals rather than resuming official royal duties. The reports reiterate that the late Queen’s decision at the 2020 Sandringham discussions — which ended the couple’s roles as working members of the royal family and the formal use of HRH styles — remains the defining settlement, and that a so-called “half-in, half-out” arrangement will not be offered.
Relations between the Duke of Sussex and the Prince of Wales remain strained. Commentators on royal affairs have warned the move could complicate family dynamics and create friction around public life and private relationships. Former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt was cited describing the likely reaction from William as
"apoplectic"
Practical details and implications
The move carries immediate practical consequences. With most school terms in England starting in early September, the family is reported to be moving in time for the new academic year. Reports place the family home outside London rather than within central royal residences.
- Reported move: later in August
- Children: Prince Archie (7) and Princess Lilibet (5)
- Residence: non-royal home outside London
| Child | Age | Reported plan |
|---|---|---|
| Prince Archie | 7 | Enrolled to start school in September |
| Princess Lilibet | 5 | Enrolled to start school in September |
Officials have not confirmed whether the Sussexes will take up long-term UK residence, maintain homes abroad, or how often they will travel. The couple’s move will raise questions about security arrangements, schooling, taxation, and how the royal household manages public-facing duties when family members live in the UK but are privately funded.
Public and media interest
The reported relocation is likely to prompt intense media attention and public debate about the monarchy’s modern shape and the boundaries between public role and private life. The return of senior royals to the UK after long periods overseas typically draws scrutiny over cost, protocol and the broader impact on royal family unity.
For now, the central facts rest on multiple media reports and statements from unnamed sources. The Sussexes have not issued a statement to confirm the accounts, and the palace has only been described as having been informed. How the move will affect relations between the brothers, the dynamics within the wider royal family and the couple’s public profile remains to be seen.
