Harry, Meghan and children to move back to UK

London: Prince Harry is preparing to return to Britain with his family to live in a private residence after several years in California, in a surprise move that suggests he may seek to mend fences with his father, King Charles, and others in the royal family.

Harry is expected to move to a home outside London with his wife, Meghan, and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, as soon as next month.

The major decision opens the way for a closer relationship between Harry and his father, but does not end the disputes within the royal family, given widespread reports that Prince William and his brother no longer speak.

King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted Harry, Meghan and their two children at the English country estate of Highgrove in July , the first time the King had seen the two grandchildren in four years.

Harry and his family plan to relocate to a “non-royal residence” thought to be outside London, according to a report by London’s Telegraph that was later confirmed by other British media.

Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, are expected to start at a British school in September, the beginning of the school year.

The Telegraph reported there were no current plans for either the Duke or Duchess of Sussex to return to their official working roles in the royal family, but it noted that the move raised the prospect that they might do so in the future.

While there was no statement from Buckingham Palace on the major change within the family, there was confirmation from royal sources about the move and a warning that it did not mean Harry would return to royal duties.

This means the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue their private lives and cannot be “half in and half out” of the customary duties expected of the royal family.

Meghan is expected to continue with her lifestyle brand As Ever, which will be run from England.

Harry has major charity commitments including his leadership of the Invictus Games, which he founded in 2014 to help military personnel recovering from severe injuries including physical and mental disabilities.

The next Invictus Games are due to be held in Birmingham next year, and Harry is said to want his father to attend the opening ceremony.

King Charles was told on Sunday of the family’s return to the UK, the BBC reported. The national broadcaster said Prince William and Princess Catherine were also informed.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex retain their titles but gave up their royal duties to live in California six years ago. Their frank disclosures about royal life in a Netflix series and a television interview with Oprah Winfrey have contributed to an ongoing rift within the royal family.