Prince Harry, Meghan Markle to explore 'private royals-plus' status during UK stay

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are relocating to the United Kingdom from their home in California, ending a six-year absence that began when they stepped back from senior royal duties in early 2020. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will move with their two children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, ahead of the new school year, with the children set to begin classes in early September 2026.

The decision is motivated by a desire to be closer to King Charles and to allow the children to build relationships with their royal family. Sources indicated that confirming the children's school placements was a key factor in the timing of the move, as the couple waited for the schools to confirm their places before finalizing the relocation. The family previously visited the UK together in July 2026, meeting the King at Highgrove.

A central question surrounding their return is their future status. While they left in 2020 with the understanding they could not be "half-in, half-out" working royals, reports now suggest their best-case scenario is a hybrid status described as "private royals plus." This would see them remain private citizens conducting their own charity and commercial...