Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reported to be returning to the United Kingdom after six years in the United States, with plans to set up a private residence outside London, according to BBC and other British media.

Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior working royals in January 2020 after a period of tension with the royal family, relocating to Montecito, California, where they founded a media and lifestyle enterprise, including Meghan’s “As Ever” brand, according to public records.

Their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, are enrolled to begin at a British school in September, the BBC reported.

The family intends to retain their Montecito home and a vacation property in Portugal, suggesting the move may be temporary, the Daily Telegraph said.

Harry has said he would not return to Britain without adequate security protection, a concern that led to a legal dispute over the level of official security he was entitled to, which he ultimately lost, according to court filings.

Relations between Harry and his brother, Prince William, remain distant, the reports noted.

Buckingham Palace has not issued a formal statement on the reported relocation, and a palace spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment, the BBC reported.

British government officials, speaking anonymously, described the potential return as “essentially a family matter” and said security arrangements were not expected to change, the official said.

Charles was informed of the plan on Sunday and “welcomes the opportunity to see more of the Sussex family in a private and personal capacity,” according to BBC sources, and William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, were also notified, the same sources added.

Harry continues to be involved with the Invictus Games, which is scheduled for Birmingham in July 2027, the reports said.

King Charles III was diagnosed with an undisclosed cancer in February 2024, underwent treatment through December 2025, and said in a May 2025 interview, “I don’t know how much longer my father has. Life is precious,” the BBC reported.

The couple has not indicated plans to resume official royal duties, and no official confirmation has been provided by Harry or Meghan.