Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly already secured a private home in Britain ahead of their return to the UK, although exactly where the Sussex family plans to settle remains undisclosed.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected back at the end of this month for what has been described as an “extended period of time.” Their children, Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, are also set to attend British schools as the family establishes a new base in the country.

The move comes six years after Harry and Meghan stepped away from royal life and relocated overseas. King Charles is understood to have learned on Sunday that his son and daughter-in-law were planning to return.

Despite establishing a home in Britain, the Sussexes are not abandoning their lives abroad. They reportedly intend to retain their £11 million mansion in Montecito, California, as well as their property in Portugal, where they stayed last month before travelling to Britain for a series of engagements.

Harry made his first public appearance since news of the family’s planned return emerged at a veterans event in Washington. The Duke appeared relaxed, smiling and laughing with fellow attendees, but did not publicly address the reports about his move.

Where could Harry and Meghan live?

The location of the Sussexes’ new British home is being kept private, leaving several areas as possible candidates.

One possibility is the Cotswolds, which has become increasingly attractive to American celebrities and other high-profile figures seeking a quieter and more discreet lifestyle. The area would also put Harry and Meghan relatively close to King Charles’s Highgrove Estate.

Beyoncé had previously considered acquiring a property in the region before reportedly dropping those plans.

Ellen DeGeneres has also owned property there. The former talk show host previously lived near Harry and Meghan in California and had a friendly relationship with the Duchess.

Meghan appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in November 2021 for her first daytime sit-down interview after moving to California. Harry and Meghan later attended Ellen and Portia de Rossi’s vow renewal ceremony in February 2023.

In 2024, Ellen also revealed online that the Sussexes had taken in one of her rescue chickens. However, reports later suggested there may have been tension between Meghan and Ellen following the television host’s move to Britain.

The Cotswolds connection

Another potential attraction for Meghan would be the proximity of Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire.

The Duchess has a longstanding friendship with Soho House executive Markus Anderson, who has sometimes been nicknamed the “King of Soho House.”

Anderson helped Harry and Meghan arrange discreet meetings during the early stages of their relationship, including dates at 76 Dean Street in London and Soho Farmhouse.

The Cotswolds would also place the Sussexes within relatively easy reach of Gloucestershire, where they were guests at Highgrove in July.

Could Harry choose to live closer to Princess Diana’s family?

Northamptonshire represents another possible option because of Harry’s deeply personal connection to Althorp House, Princess Diana’s childhood home.

Diana is buried on the Althorp estate, which is also home to Harry’s uncle, Earl Spencer.

Harry returned there with his children in July for an emotional visit to his mother’s grave, potentially making the surrounding area particularly meaningful as he considers establishing a British base for his family.

Windsor and Norfolk may be less likely options

Windsor has traditionally been a popular location for members of the Royal Family seeking a quieter life outside central London.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor lived at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park for around 22 years before relocating to the Sandringham Estate. Prince William and Princess Kate have also established their long-term family home at nearby Forest Lodge.

However, the continuing strained relationship between the Waleses and Sussexes could make Windsor a less attractive choice if Harry and Meghan prefer greater distance and privacy.

Norfolk may present a similar problem. King Charles has the Sandringham Estate there, while William and Kate have Anmer Hall.

With several senior members of the Royal Family already closely connected to the area, Harry and Meghan could ultimately decide that Norfolk places them closer to the royal fold than they would prefer.

For now, the precise location of their reported new home remains private, leaving the Cotswolds, Northamptonshire and other quieter parts of Britain among the possibilities as the Sussexes prepare for their latest major change in family life.