Prince Harry and Meghan Markle plan UK move with children, Archie and Lilibet

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly moving to Britain with Archie and Lilibet, who will start school there

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly planning to establish a home in Britain with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, marking a significant change to the family’s living arrangements since they stepped back from royal duties in 2020.

According to PEOPLE, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are relocating to the UK for an extended period beginning this month, with Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, expected to start school there in September. The family will retain their home in Montecito, California, and their property in Portugal.

The location of their new UK home and the children’s school is being kept private. Harry and Meghan are expected to remain private, non-working members of the royal family, with no return to official royal duties planned.

King Charles was reportedly informed of the couple’s plans on August 16. PEOPLE reports that he welcomes the opportunity to spend more time with the Sussex children in a private capacity.

The move comes weeks after Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet visited Britain, where the children reunited with their grandfather for the first time in more than four years. The family also visited Althorp House, where Princess Diana spent part of her childhood and is buried.

Security has previously been a major concern for Harry and Meghan following their departure from royal duties.

Harry has pursued a legal challenge over the decision to remove his taxpayer-funded police protection, arguing that his family’s security arrangements require reassessment.

The UK base is expected to allow Harry to spend more time supporting charities including WellChild, Scotty’s Little Soldiers and the Invictus community. Meghan is expected to continue running her lifestyle company, As Ever, while working on future projects.

Relations between Harry and his father have reportedly improved in recent years, although his relationship with Prince William remains distant. A source told PEOPLE in July that there had been "no movement" in the relationship.

Harry previously said, "I would love reconciliation with my family. There's no point in continuing to fight anymore."