Harry and Meghan Have Already Secured a Secret UK Home — But the Location Could Put Them Remarkably Close to the Royal Family
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly already secured a new home in Britain ahead of their dramatic return later this month, but exactly where the Sussexes will live is being kept firmly under wraps.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are preparing to return to the UK for an “extended period of time”, with their children, Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, expected to attend British schools.
The move comes six years after Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal life and relocated to the US. King Charles is understood to have been informed on Sunday that his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren are coming back.
Despite the return, the couple are expected to retain their £11 million mansion in Montecito, California, as well as their property in Portugal.
Harry was seen smiling and laughing at a veterans’ event in Washington yesterday, shortly after news of the family’s return emerged.
Where will Harry and Meghan live?
The exact location of the Sussexes’ new British home remains a closely guarded secret.
One possibility is the Cotswolds, an area increasingly popular with American celebrities and A-listers seeking a quieter lifestyle.
The region would also place the couple relatively close to King Charles’ Highgrove Estate in Gloucestershire, where Harry, Meghan and their children were guests in July.
The Cotswolds also has a connection to Meghan through Soho House. She is known to be friends with Markus Anderson, an executive associated with the private members’ club, who helped arrange discreet meetings for Harry and Meghan during the early stages of their relationship.
Meghan has previously spent time at Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire, another attraction that could make the area appealing.
Beyoncé was previously reported to have considered buying a property in the region, while Ellen DeGeneres also once owned a home there and was close to Meghan in California.
Could Harry choose Diana’s former family home instead?
Another possibility could be an area closer to Althorp House in Northamptonshire, the childhood home of Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana.
Harry took Archie and Lilibet to visit Diana’s grave there in July, making the location particularly significant for the Duke.
His uncle, Earl Spencer, also lives at the estate.
Windsor is another location traditionally associated with members of the Royal Family. However, the Sussexes would potentially find themselves living closer to Prince William and Kate Middleton, whose long-term home is nearby.
Given the strained relationship between the Waleses and Sussexes, that could make such an arrangement less likely.
Norfolk could present a similar issue. The area is home to the King’s Sandringham Estate, as well as William and Kate’s Anmer Hall.
A return that raises bigger questions
Wherever Harry and Meghan settle, their return is likely to reignite questions surrounding their relationship with the Royal Family.
The couple are expected to live in a non-royal property and continue their business interests. They are not returning as working royals and are understood not to be receiving money from the public purse while in Britain.
Harry is also not expected to undertake official royal duties.
Any potential future role would reportedly have to be discussed directly between Harry and his father.
For now, the Sussexes appear to be preparing for a longer stay in Britain while Archie and Lilibet begin their education.
And after six years away, one major question remains unanswered: where exactly have Harry and Meghan chosen to build their new British base — and how close will it bring them to the Royal Family?