Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are preparing for a major international relocation from the United States back to the United Kingdom, eyeing a nine-bedroom British estate to provide a local education for their children, Archie and Lilibet, with financial backing from hedge fund billionaire Ian Wace.
Prince Harry and Meghan Plan UK Move
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The Move Back to Britain and the Search for a New Home
Years after stepping down from their working royal roles and relocating to California in a departure dubbed the Megxit
by the British press, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are planning a permanent return across the Atlantic, according to reporting from WELT. The family intends to settle in the British Cotswolds.
The new residence is reported to feature nine bedrooms, extensive grounds, and a private film studio. Out of security considerations, the exact location of the property remains confidential, and the estate is privately owned rather than part of the royal portfolio. While the family plans to establish their primary base in the UK, Meghan intends to continue flying to Montecito for professional commitments, and the children may spend school holidays visiting California, as noted.
Driving the relocation is primarily the future of their children, as Archie and Lilibet are slated to receive a British school education. Observers also point to the health status of King Charles as a factor in the decision. Prince Harry is reportedly planning to remain in his home country for at least 12 years.
Billionaire Backing and Personal Connections
Financing the transition to Britain is expected to receive a major boost from a prominent financial figure. According to a report, British hedge fund billionaire Ian Wace is assisting the couple with the move. Wace, the 63-year-old founding partner, CEO, and chief risk officer of Marshall Wace LLP, commands a fortune estimated at roughly 1.2 billion dollars.
The relationship between the families extends well beyond financial circles. Last summer, Harry and Meghan spent time with their children, alongside Archie and Lilibet, on Wace’s 320-hectare private island, Tanera Mòr, situated off the Scottish coast. Wace purchased the property in 2017 for approximately 2.3 million dollars.
Both Harry and Wace share a profound personal connection through the loss of family members in automobile accidents. Wace lost his first wife, Joanna, and their two children in a 1994 crash in Hampshire, while Prince Harry lost his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, in a 1997 crash in Paris. Furthermore, Wace’s ex-wife, Saffron Aldridge, has maintained a friendly relationship with the Sussexes, previously assisting Meghan in navigating British aristocratic circles and offering fashion guidance during the early stages of her relationship with Harry.
Public Reception and the Monarchy’s Changing Landscape
The homecoming has triggered intense media speculation regarding whether it could signal a broader royal reconciliation. Ed Owens, a royal historian who has authored two books on the British monarchy, observed that the return represents both a potential problem and a potential opportunity for the institution, noting to WELT that a successful reconciliation could help improve the monarchy’s standing among younger Britons.
Polling data underscores the urgency of public image rehabilitation. According to Ipsos figures cited by WELT, only 55 percent of the British public currently favor retaining the monarchy over establishing a republic—the lowest level since records began in 1993. Among adults aged 18 to 34, support has dropped even lower, with 33 percent favoring the monarchy and 45 percent supporting a republic.
Despite the speculation, significant hurdles remain. Unresolved questions linger over whether Harry, Meghan, and their children will receive invitations to traditional family gatherings such as Christmas at Sandringham House, a decision resting solely with King Charles. Meanwhile, the institution continues to grapple with controversies surrounding other family members, including the removal of titles from Prince Andrew following his associations with Jeffrey Epstein.
