Duke and Duchess of Sussex Plan Return to United Kingdom With Family

According to reporting by journalists Brittany Miller and Stephanie Nolasco, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are making preparations to leave their estate in Montecito, California. Central to the family's upcoming move is the education of their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, both of whom have been enrolled in a British school with attendance scheduled to begin at the start of the academic term in September.

The decision to enroll Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in the British educational system marks a pivotal shift in the family’s long-term planning. Prince Archie, who was born in London in May 2019, spent the first months of his life in the United Kingdom before his parents relocated overseas. Princess Lilibet, born in Santa Barbara, California, in June 2021, has lived primarily in North America since birth.

The timing of the enrollment coincides with the commencement of the British primary school year in September. Primary education in the United Kingdom typically begins with Reception or early primary schooling depending on the child's age, establishing a formal foundation within the British academic environment. While specific details regarding the name and precise geographic location of the selected school have been withheld for privacy and security reasons, the institutional enrollment signals a formal commitment to re-establishing primary family roots in the country.

Departing the Montecito residence

The impending move signals the end of a long-standing residence in Southern California. Following their decision in early 2020 to step down from frontline royal responsibilities, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex briefly relocated to Vancouver Island, Canada, before establishing a permanent base in Santa Barbara County, California, later that year.

Their Montecito property served as both a primary family home and the operational hub for their post-royal commercial and philanthropic endeavors. During their time in California, the couple launched the Archewell Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on community building and digital safety, while entering into media production partnerships across various global platforms. The transition away from California involves winding down their daily operational routines in Montecito and re-establishing a long-term administrative and household base in the United Kingdom.

The planned return to the United Kingdom occurs six years after the couple officially concluded their duties as senior working members of the House of Windsor. In January 2020, Prince Harry and Markle announced their intention to step back from official duties, seeking financial independence while balancing private commitments with public service.

The terms of their departure, which took effect in March 2020 following consultations at Sandringham with Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III—then Prince of Wales—and Prince William, resulted in the couple stepping away from official military appointments and relinquishing public funding from the Sovereign Grant. Although they retained their formal titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, they agreed not to actively use their "His Royal Highness" and "Her Royal Highness" honorifics in an official capacity.

Over the subsequent six years, Prince Harry returned to the United Kingdom periodically for specific engagements, high-profile legal proceedings, and major family observances. These included the funeral of Prince Philip in April 2021, the unveiling of a statue dedicated to Diana, Princess of Wales, the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, and the late monarch’s funeral in September 2022. However, family visits involving both children had been rare, making the planned permanent relocation a significant shift in their living arrangements.

Housing and security arrangements

A move back to the United Kingdom introduces several logistical considerations, including physical accommodation and official security protocols. In early 2023, the couple was requested to vacate Frogmore Cottage, their former residence on the Windsor estate, which had been gifted to them by Queen Elizabeth II following their 2018 wedding and subsequently renovated using private funds. Since surrendering the lease, the couple has lacked a permanent official residence within the royal estate network.

Security provisions represent another crucial component of the relocation. Prince Harry has engaged in formal legal proceedings against the British Home Office regarding decisions made by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures. The legal action centered on the determination of security levels afforded to the Duke and his family when present in the United Kingdom following their change in official royal status. Establishing appropriate security arrangements will form a key operational requirement as the family prepares for a permanent return.

Broader context within the royal family

The relocation places Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in closer proximity to the broader royal family and the formal institutions of the British monarchy. Under rules governing the succession, both children hold positions in the line of succession to the British throne.

Following the accession of King Charles III in September 2022, the children became eligible to use the titles Prince and Princess under letters patent issued by King George V in 1917, which grant such titles to the children of sons of the reigning monarch. The titles were officially adopted by the couple for their children in early 2023. The family's move to the United Kingdom brings the young prince and princess into the geographic sphere of the British monarchy during their formative school years.

Looking ahead to the transition

As the September school term approaches, logistical preparations for the transatlantic move are expected to progress in both California and the United Kingdom. The relocation involves coordinated efforts across education, property management, security services, and personal scheduling.

The move marks a major evolution in the personal trajectory of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, redefining their relationship with the United Kingdom six years after initiating their departure. Further details concerning their residential arrangements and public schedules are expected to emerge as the transition unfolds.

This report is based on original news reporting by Brittany Miller and Stephanie Nolasco.