Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Arrive in the U.K. as Family's Move Back Begins

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to move back to the U.K. may have come as a shock to many, but the Duke of Sussex has been hinting at the decision. On November 11, Harry, 41, penned a heartfelt essay for Remembrance Day, the U.K. equivalent of Memorial Day, though it falls on the same date as Veterans Day, about his own military service, his time spent in Ukraine, and his work volunteering with military charities like Scotty's Little Soldiers and the Invictus Games.

"Every November, the world, for a moment, grows quieter. We pause, together, to remember," he wrote. "Remembrance has never been about glorifying war. It's about recognising its cost: the lives changed forever and the lessons paid for, through unimaginable sacrifice. It's also about honouring those who, knowing that cost, still choose to serve."

The Hint That Raised Eyebrows

"Though currently, I may live in the United States, Britain is, and always will be, the country I proudly served and fought for. The banter of the mess, the clubhouse, the pub, the stands, ridiculous as it sounds, these are the things that make us British. I make no apology for it. I love it," Harry continued. Amid the news of Harry's move back to the U.K., his saying that he was "currently" living in the U.S. hinted that plans for the move were in motion.

PEOPLE revealed on August 19 that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were moving their family back to the U.K., with plans for Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, to begin school in Britain this September. Details about the location of the couple's private, non-royal home and the children's school are being closely guarded, though PEOPLE learned that the family arrived on Wednesday, August 26.

A Conversation with Joss Stone

The Remembrance Day essay wasn't the only hint that Prince Harry had been thinking about moving back to his home country. In September 2025, he chatted with English singer Joss Stone at the WellChild Awards. Stone, 39, who had recently returned to Britain with her own family after spending years living in Nashville, Tennessee, later recounted the conversation to Hello!, noting that the prince seemed particularly interested in how her four children had handled the move.

"He was saying how wonderful the schools are here and how important community is for children," Stone recalled. "It was nice to share that with him because it's exactly why we felt drawn to come back for the kids to grow up surrounded by family, friends and a strong sense of belonging and, most importantly, in a safe environment."

Harry, Meghan, and their children made their U.K. arrival on Wednesday after flying privately from California to Birmingham, England. PEOPLE understands that King Charles was made aware of the couple's plans on Sunday, August 16, and welcomes the opportunity to see more of his son's family in a private and personal capacity. The couple will also maintain their home in Montecito, California, and their vacation property in Portugal.

The move marks a significant shift for the family. Prince Archie was born in Britain in May 2019, but he spent only the first months of his life there. After his parents stepped back as working royals, the family relocated to North America, eventually settling in California. Princess Lilibet was born in California in 2021 and didn't visit the U.K. until the following year. Now, both children are preparing to start school in Britain, surrounded by family and a strong sense of community.

However, the move back does not mean a return to royal roles for Harry and Meghan, who stepped back from their roles as working members of the royal family in 2020 before relocating to California. The King is said to have been clear that there will be no change to Harry and Meghan's status as private individuals and non-working members of the royal family, in keeping with the agreement they previously reached with the late Queen Elizabeth.

As the Sussexes settle into their new life in the U.K., they are focused on providing their children with a stable and nurturing environment. The decision to return reflects their desire to be closer to family and to give Archie and Lilibet a sense of belonging and community. For Harry, the move is a homecoming, a chance to reconnect with his roots while continuing to build his family's future.