Five years after relocating to California, Prince Harry finds himself at a quiet but consequential crossroads. Recent expert commentary points to a notable shift: he appears more open to a future role in Britain than at any time since stepping back as a senior royal in 2020.
At the same moment, Meghan Markle remains firmly anchored—professionally and personally—in the United States.
The contrast is no longer theoretical; it is unfolding in real time, raising new questions about how a modern monarchy adapts when its most visible family tensions span an ocean.
From Megxit to California Life
In January 2020, Harry and Meghan announced they would step back as senior working royals and later settled in California.
Queen Elizabeth II rejected any “half‑in, half‑out” model, which meant they relinquished full‑time duties and publicly funded security.
Over the past five years, they have built an independent life in Montecito, focusing on media projects, philanthropy, and raising their children, Archie and Lilibet, away from day‑to‑day royal expectations.
Harry’s “Currently” Signal
In a November 2025 Remembrance essay, Harry wrote that “though currently, I may live in the United States, Britain is, and always will be, the country I proudly served and fought for.”
That single word—“currently”—has been widely interpreted by royal watchers and PR experts as intentional.
It suggests he does not view his U.S. residence as irrevocably permanent, and that he is leaving room for a possible shift back toward a more UK‑based future.
Serious About a UK Return
Royal commentator Ian Pelham Turner, a former royal photographer who knew Princess Diana, has stated that “Harry is very serious about returning to Britain” and believes Meghan and the children would be welcomed if they spent part of each year there.
Other analysts echo that Harry is keeping his options open rather than closing the door on his royal past. This marks the widest opening for a potential return since the couple’s departure in 2020.
Meghan’s U.S. Anchor
Meghan’s position is notably different. Commentators like PR specialist Lynn Carratt say Meghan had a “difficult experience” in the UK and is unlikely to embrace a full‑time move back.
Her identity, support system, and career opportunities are “firmly anchored in the U.S.,” where she has launched the As Ever lifestyle brand and fronted the Netflix series “With Love, Meghan.”
For her, California represents both personal safety and professional growth.
Children Between Two Worlds
Archie (6) and Lilibet (4) have spent most of their lives in the United States, yet Harry has repeatedly stressed that he wants his children to know “the country I grew up in” and understand their British heritage.
Recent family videos and charity-linked holiday clips underscore their American upbringing, while also reminding observers that they are the first generation of Windsor children to be mainly raised outside the UK royal system.
The “Bring Harry Back” Campaign
Reports citing former palace photographer Ian Pelham Turner describe discussions within the royal household about a “Bring Harry Back” campaign, allegedly involving both King Charles and Prince William.
According to these accounts, Charles’s cancer diagnosis and the sidelining of Andrew have increased the urgency of exploring a role for Harry.
These claims remain based mainly on insider commentary rather than formal palace statements, but they have gained traction.
Security: The Practical Obstacle
Security remains Harry’s biggest practical hurdle. A February 2024 High Court ruling upheld the decision to downgrade his automatic police protection when in the UK.
However, in late 2025, he secured a significant breakthrough: the government agreed to a comprehensive review of his security arrangements, the first in years.
Analysts note that any part-time UK base could require annual security spending in the low- to mid-seven-figure range, depending on the model adopted.
A Split‑Residence Scenario
Experts are now discussing a possible split-residence arrangement, with Harry spending more time in Britain for charitable and potentially semi-official engagements.
At the same time, Meghan remains predominantly based in the U.S. In theory, the family could divide the year between continents, with 10–15 transatlantic trips annually.
While numerically feasible, such a lifestyle would be demanding for two young children and would test both the couple’s marriage and the palace’s logistical flexibility.
Emotional and Financial Stakes
Behind the headlines are both emotional and financial stakes. On one side lies Harry’s attachment to British institutions, military comrades, and causes like WellChild and Scotty’s Little Soldiers.
On the other side sits the Sussexes’ U.S.‑built media and brand portfolio.
Commentators estimate that a renewed royal pathway—through property access, official roles, and aligned commercial opportunities—could be worth hundreds of millions over time, offset by multimillion‑dollar security and travel costs.
Harry’s Ongoing UK Engagements
Even while based in California, Harry has maintained regular ties to the UK through events like the WellChild Awards and his role with veteran-focused charities.
His 2025 reunion with King Charles in London, though brief, signaled a thaw after a period of deep estrangement.
Publicly, Harry has spoken warmly of Britain and his service there, reinforcing the impression that he views his exile as emotional, rather than absolute, and that he remains open to deeper re-engagement.
Meghan’s American Identity
For Meghan, the United States offers more than a postal address. Her new brand, As Ever, and associated content—such as holiday entertaining segments that sparked both enthusiasm and online criticism—have further embedded her within American celebrity and lifestyle culture.
Commentators point out that returning to the UK would revive painful memories of tabloid hostility and institutional constraints, making it understandable that she prefers to grow her ventures from U.S. soil.
Palace Calculus and King Charles
King Charles’s health has added urgency to any timetable for reconciliation. While the palace has not publicly detailed private negotiations, royal analysts suggest that the King views some form of rapprochement as desirable, both personally and institutionally.
Balancing William’s concerns, public sentiment, and the need to modernize the monarchy, any arrangement involving Harry would likely be phased, carefully calibrated, and framed as service‑oriented rather than a complete restoration of past roles.
Modern Marriage, Modern Monarchy
Commentators note that many modern couples maintain strong relationships while living in different cities—or even on other continents—when careers require it.
Some experts suggest Harry and Meghan could follow this pattern, with overlapping but not identical geographies.
Such an arrangement would challenge traditional royal expectations but might reflect the realities of a two‑career, binational marriage. It would also test whether the institution can accommodate a more flexible, networked model of royal life.
What Comes Next?
Taken together, Harry’s more open language, Meghan’s U.S. anchoring, the reported “Bring Harry Back” discussions, and evolving security talks point toward a period of experimentation rather than a single decisive move.
Any split‑residence model would be unprecedented for a high‑profile royal couple with young children. Whether this moment becomes a blueprint for a more global, adaptable monarchy—or simply a passing phase in the Sussexes’ ongoing journey—will likely be decided over the next few years.
Sources:
The Express Nov 2025
Royal Insider Nov 2025
Town & Country Nov 2025
Sussex.com Nov 2025
Geo TV Dec 2025
People Magazine Dec 2025