Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are preparing for a major change six years after making California their home.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex plan to return to the United Kingdom with their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, for an “extended period” beginning before the end of August, according to Page Six. Their children are reportedly already enrolled in new schools in the UK.
Sources told the outlet that several factors are behind the move, including Harry’s relationship with his father, King Charles III, and the family’s substantial cost of maintaining their life in the United States.
“I am sure there are a lot of reasons [for the move], but I do think cash is a big one,” one insider told the outlet.
However, sources stressed that Harry and Markle are not facing a shortage of money.
“They are not out of money,” one source said.
Another noted that Harry has received significant inheritances over the years, adding, “They had more money than most even before Megxit!”
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s UK Move Could Bring a Financial Shift
The couple’s expenses in the United States are significant, according to Page Six.
Harry and Markle purchased their Montecito, California, estate in 2020 for $14.5 million. The nine-bedroom, 16-bathroom property includes a tennis court, rose garden, tea house and children’s playhouse.
Sources told the outlet that the couple’s expenses include mortgages, household staff, their vacation property in Portugal and security costs that reportedly total around $3 million annually.
“Anything that comes in instantly goes out,” an insider said.
Page Six reported that the Sussexes need at least $6 million annually to maintain their current lifestyle in the United States. The couple has also reduced the size of their staff over the years.
Still, Harry and Markle have built several successful ventures since stepping away from their roles as senior working members of the royal family. The couple has reportedly earned more than $100 million through projects and agreements involving Netflix, Spotify and publishing.
Markle has also focused on growing her As Ever lifestyle brand. While sales figures are not public, a source told Page Six that the company is “doing well.”
Markle reportedly plans to continue operating the business from the UK.
King Charles Reportedly Played a Major Role in Prince Harry’s Decision
Finances aren’t the only consideration behind the family’s return.
A royal insider previously told Page Six that King Charles is a major factor in Harry’s decision to spend more time in his home country.
“I know that Charles is a big reason for their return,” the source said.
The move would also mark a significant change for Archie and Lilibet, who have spent most of their lives in California. Harry and Markle moved to the United States after stepping away from royal duties in 2020 and have raised their children in Montecito.
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s Montecito Neighbors React to UK Return
At least some of the couple’s Montecito neighbors are also reacting to the news.
One local resident told Page Six that Harry and Markle’s arrival initially raised questions about whether the worldwide interest surrounding the couple would change the normally private community.
“When we first heard Harry and Meghan were moving to Montecito, there were definitely some concerns,” the resident said. “There had already been so much negative press and attention surrounding them and the royal family, and I think people worried about what kind of spotlight that could bring to such a quiet community.”
The source said they and some other residents they had spoken with welcomed the prospect of less media activity in the area.
“Montecito is a very private, peaceful place, and I think a lot of people here will be happy to see things go back to being a little quieter,” the resident said.
The source emphasized that they were not speaking for the entire community.
Montecito is already home to several prominent celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey and Rob Lowe. But Harry and Markle have attracted sustained international interest since arriving in 2020.
