Harry and Meghan’s UK living plans could take 18 months as temporary arrangement revealed

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to Britain may be more complicated than initially expected, with a friend of the Duke reportedly warning that the couple could spend as long as 12 to 18 months in temporary accommodation before moving into a permanent home.

The Sussexes are understood to be planning a significant new chapter in Britain after spending the past six years in the United States. Their two children, Archie and Lilibet, are also reportedly set to attend school in the UK as the family adjusts to life on home soil.

However, finding a suitable property appears likely to take time.

Sussexes reportedly staying on a friend’s estate

According to a report by Alison Boshoff in the Mail on Sunday, a friend of Prince Harry claims the Sussexes are currently staying in a property located on the estate of another friend.

The temporary arrangement could last considerably longer than expected.

The friend reportedly believes Harry and Meghan are unlikely to find a property that is immediately ready for them to move into. If they are looking to complete a purchase toward the end of this year or early next year, the process could still take another 12 to 18 months.

That timeline could stretch even further depending on the property they eventually choose.

The couple are reportedly working with a budget of more than £8 million, which means they may be considering historic homes and substantial country properties. Such houses can require extensive renovation, with heritage restrictions potentially making building work more complicated.

The friend also suggested that the type of property Harry and Meghan are seeking, particularly one with a large amount of land, is not something that regularly comes onto the market.

As a result, the Sussexes may have to wait for the right property rather than simply choosing a house that is already available.

Archie and Lilibet’s schooling is taking shape

While the search for a permanent home continues, arrangements for the couple’s children appear to be moving forward.

Archie, seven, is reportedly expected to attend a traditional British preparatory school, with Harry said to be keen on an institution similar to Ludgrove in Berkshire, where he spent part of his own childhood.

Lilibet, five, is expected to join the pre-prep section of the same school.

The reported schooling plans would also give Harry the opportunity to take a more active role in the children’s everyday lives.

He is expected to be involved in school routines and could be seen supporting Archie from the sidelines as his son takes up rugby.

Meghan, meanwhile, is reportedly expected to divide her time between Britain and the family’s home in Montecito, California, as she continues her business and media commitments.

She has also reportedly been getting used to the practical demands of school life, including Saturday commitments.

A return six years after leaving royal duties

The Sussexes’ move back to Britain comes six years after Harry and Meghan stepped down as working royals and relocated to the United States.

They have remained non-working members of the Royal Family since leaving their official roles.

Their plans to spend more time in Britain have nevertheless raised renewed questions about security, an issue that has remained central to Harry’s relationship with the UK since his departure from royal duties.

Harry has previously argued that bringing Meghan and their children to Britain presents a heightened security risk under his current arrangements. He recently wrote to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, asking her to personally consider whether his family could receive close police protection.

The Duke previously lost a legal challenge against the Home Office after changes were made to his security arrangements following his decision to step away from royal responsibilities.

Harry has also argued that the threats facing him are greater than those faced by his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, pointing to what he described as additional risks involving racism and extremism.

Permanent home remains unresolved

For now, the Sussexes’ reported living arrangement appears to be a temporary solution while they search for a property that meets their requirements.

The combination of a budget of more than £8 million, a preference for a sizeable amount of land and the possibility of buying a historic property could make the search more demanding.

That means the family’s British life may begin with an extended period of uncertainty over where they will ultimately settle.

Their children’s schooling, however, appears to be providing a more immediate structure to the family’s return.

The Sussexes have yet to publicly disclose the full details of their living arrangements or reveal where they intend to establish their permanent British home.