Insider Details on Prince Harry and Meghan’s Emotional Goodbye to California

Key Points

• On Wednesday, 26 August 2026, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan (with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet) made their return to the U.K. after 6 years in California.
• In a touching departure, the family were joined by close friends, their kids’ friends, and Meghan’s mom, Doria Ragland, for the last weekend in Montecito.
• According to a source, the move was “the right thing for their family” and planned for some time, “but it was not easy to leave Montecito.”
• While maintaining their home in Montecito and a holiday house in Portugal, the Sussexes will set up a private, non-royal base outside London.
• Archie is 7, and Lilibet is 5, and they’re going to go to school in the U.K. this September.
• No plans are currently in place for Harry and Meghan to return to their senior roles as royals; they will be private citizens.
• It is believed that Meghan will remain involved in her lifestyle brand As Ever, with the U.K., and is rumoured to be thinking about returning to acting.
• The family were reported to have come in by private jet without the presence of apparent police escorts.
• The actual duration of the U.K. visit has yet to be set, but the period is rumoured to be “extended”.
• Doria Ragland will remain in California, with the couple planning to visit her and their U.S. friends regularly.

California (Britain Today News) August 29, 2026 — The Duke and Duchess of Sussex bade an emotional farewell to their coastal community before departing for the United Kingdom on Wednesday, 27 August 2026, marking the start of an extended stay in Britain after six years in America.

Why Are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Moving Back to the U.K. Now?

As reported by a source quoted in People, the couple

“wanted to spend time with the people they’re closest to before they left and for the kids to have some special time with friends”.

The insider added:

“It wasn’t a goodbye forever. It was much more, ‘We’ll be back, but this is what we’re doing right now.’”

Multiple outlets, including the BBC and Reuters, have said the family’s relocation follows a decision to establish a private, non-royal home outside London, with children already enrolled for the new school term. The couple “haven’t decided exactly how long they will stay” but plan an “extended period of time” in the U.K.

How Did Harry and Meghan Spend Their Final Weekend in Montecito?

Harry and Meghan spent their last weekend in Montecito with close friends, their children’s friends, and Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland. The Express noted the weekend was “poignant” as the couple prepared to leave the home they have occupied since 2020.

A source told People:

“They’ve been planning this for some time, and they feel it’s the right thing for their family, but that doesn’t mean leaving was easy.”

The same source said:

“Meghan really loves their life in Montecito and their home there. They know it’s going to take a little bit of time for everyone to settle in and adjust.”

What Did Insiders Say About the Emotional Impact of Leaving California?

Describing the mood, a source cited by People said:

“There is excitement about what’s ahead too, especially for the kids. They’re really happy for them, and for everything they’ll get to experience.”

An insider confirmed the couple were “deeply emotional” about leaving their Montecito mansion after six years.

Hola noted the family is “embracing a fresh start” as Harry hopes to “reconnect with his roots” while the children grow up closer to extended family in Britain.

Where Will the Sussex Family Live in the United Kingdom?

The Guardian reported the family will live “outside London at a non-royal residence”, with the Cotswolds emerging as a possible base. People previously stated the couple are establishing a “private, non-royal home base in Britain” while retaining their Montecito chateau and Portugal getaway.

ABC30 confirmed the family plans to stay for an “extended period of time” in the U.K., where Archie and Lilibet will attend school.

Will Prince Harry and Meghan Resume Royal Duties in Britain?

There are “no current plans for either Prince Harry or Meghan to resume their roles as working Royals”, the BBC has reported. Town & Country and other outlets have reiterated that the move “does not signal a return to royal duties”.

The couple stepped down as senior members of the royal family in 2020 and have since operated as private citizens, focusing on commercial ventures and philanthropy.

What Are the Plans for Archie and Lilibet’s Education?

Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, are enrolled to start school in the U.K. this September, multiple sources have confirmed. The Washington Post noted the children’s schooling was a key factor in the timing of the move.

Marca reported the return “marks a major change for their family six years after leaving royal life”, with the children now entering the British education system.

How Will Meghan Markle Manage As Ever and Possible Acting Work from the U.K.?

The Guardian reported Meghan will

“continue to run her California-based business As Ever from the U.K. while also travelling back to the U.S. at times”.

Speculation about a return to acting has intensified; Reuters noted reports that

“Meghan is in talks about a return to acting”.

though it added that neither her representatives nor producers had commented and that one reported offer was later said to have been withdrawn amid backlash. Harper’s Bazaar has also flagged rumours of a new acting role as the family relocates.

What Happens to the Montecito Home and Other Properties?

The couple are expected to keep their Montecito estate as well as a vacation property in Portugal, People and the Los Angeles Times have reported. The News added the move comes with a “California compromise”, with the Sussexes retaining their U.S. base and visiting regularly.

Doria Ragland will remain in California, and the family plans to continue visiting her and their American friends.

Did the Family Travel With Security on Arrival in the U.K.?

Hola reported the family arrived in the U.K. on 26 August “by private jet, having no visible police protection”. CNN and the ABC (Australia) confirmed the arrival but did not detail security arrangements.
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How Long Do Harry and Meghan Plan to Stay in Britain?

ABC News reported the couple “haven’t decided exactly how long they will stay” but intend an “extended period of time”. The Guardian said Archie and Lilibet are due to start school “next week”, implying at least a term-long stay.

Town & Country’s timeline of moves noted the Sussexes are set to move back “this month”, with school starting in early September.

What Does This Move Mean for the Royal Family Dynamic?

While the BBC and Reuters emphasised there are no plans to resume working royal roles, the return ends a six-year self-imposed exile and brings the family physically closer to senior royals. The Washington Post described the decision as a shock to “Britain’s royal watchers” after years in California.

Observers note the move could reshape informal family interactions, even if official duties remain unchanged.