Why are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle going back to UK?

After six years of residing in California, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning a surprise return to Britain.

On the surface level, three primary intentions of the relocation of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are cited, including: to enroll their children in a British school, to be closer to King Charles amid his health battle, and to better manage their UK-based charity and business commitments.

However, the decision is driven by more than just schooling and family. There are deeper reasons at play as the couple has grown disillusioned with the U.S. political climate under the presidency of Donald Trump. They share public tensions with him, and they reportedly have concerns about the direction of the country as midterm elections approach.

Prince Harry, who previously had security concerns which had long prevented him from bringing his family to Britain, also appears to have had those concerns quietly resolved. This allows them to establish a private non-royal residence and end the “circus” of speculation over their accommodation.

Additionally, in July, Harry made an emotional visit to Althorp House, his late mother Princess Diana’s childhood home and burial place, which apparently stirred deep feelings and made him realize how much he missed life in the UK.

Moreover, there is also a great support base for the couple in Britain, such as Princess Eugenie, who is Harry’s cousin, and Lindsay Jill Roth, who is a friend of Meghan from college. According to some insiders, the Sussexes have managed to get their "half in, half out" status, which they once proposed to the royal family in 2019 but which was strongly opposed by the late Queen.