Prince Harry eyes more UK visits as royal reconciliation unfolds
Duke of Sussex signals willingness to spend more time in Britain, but says he will not move back; security, housing and schooling questions linger as Charles seeks closer ties
Prince Harry would love to spend more time in the UK, potentially visiting every few months starting in 2026, insiders said. The plan would allow him to support the causes he champions while remaining based in California, where he says he is 'genuinely very happy.'
But the Duke of Sussex insists that he will never move back to Britain because 'he's genuinely very happy in California'.
King Charles has been described by insiders as 'absolutely clear' that Harry cannot be a ‘half-in, half-out’ working royal, and Harry is said to swear blind that there is 'no move' being made 'to be back in the institution'. The monarch is said to be keen on repairing his relationship with his youngest son and, by extension, with Archie and Lilibet, though aides stress the reconciliation would not come at the expense of the royal framework.
The prospect of closer ties has already sparked talks about where the Sussex family might base themselves if a broader rapprochement took shape. There are reportedly empty properties on the royal estate that could be made available, including Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, and Adelaide Cottage, with discussions also touching on possibilities at Kensington Palace and St James's Palace. Some observers suggested the King could offer the couple a private home on the estate as a courtesy accommodation, while avoiding a full return to the working royal frame.
Security is a central hurdle in any such arrangement. Sources say that staying at a royal palace would mean armed guards would be on hand, and that any formal invitation from the King would likely restore taxpayer-funded protection from the moment the Sussexes set foot in Britain. The arrangement would be carefully choreographed to allow Harry to visit his father and grandparents without triggering a broader shift in royal security policy.
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, faces a more uncertain calculus. While there is some speculation that a private base in the Cotswolds could appeal given Meghan's past time there, insiders cautioned that her response would hinge on how she is received and whether the couple can navigate the palace's current dynamics. Meghan has not returned to the UK since the Queen's death in 2022, and she faced a public backlash during a 2022 visit to London amid security debates.
Another driver of any potential UK presence is education for Archie and Lilibet. Acknowledging Harry's interest in giving his children a taste of his own upbringing, a close friend said he hopes to educate them in the UK. The friend noted that while Harry has kept ties to Ludgrove and Eton-era classmates, the plan would not involve sending Archie to Eton; a spokesman for the couple stated that Harry has not put his son’s name down for Eton, nor does he have any current plans to do so. The family is also weighing whether a UK base would be compatible with Archie and Lilibet’s schooling and whether to enroll them in private schools that are common among British elites.
Beyond personal considerations, Harry and Meghan’s presence would carry symbolic weight for the palace's relationship with the next generation of royals. The King has reportedly signaled a desire to maintain a productive relationship with his younger son and to keep lines open around family matters, including grandparent-grandchildren time and public appearances tied to causes Harry champions, such as Invictus Games. The 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, an event close to Harry's heart, could serve as a focal point for a broader UK presence that aligns with his philanthropic commitments.
While a move back to the U.K. remains off the table for the foreseeable future, British royal watchers say the door appears ajar for more regular visits and for potential temporary stays as family dynamics evolve. The question now is how the two families can bridge years of tensions while safeguarding security and public perception. The King has shown an openness to engagement, but any tangible shift will depend on intricate negotiations about residence, protection, and where the Sussexes’ children will spend their formative years.