Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent return to the United Kingdom has sparked considerable attention, particularly amid reports they have relocated to the Cotswolds. Their decision to move back after six years abroad has taken many by surprise.
If the couple’s residence in the Cotswolds is confirmed, they will be joining a community that includes well-known figures such as the Beckhams, Jeremy Clarkson, and Kate Moss.
Harry and Meghan, along with their children Archie and Lilibet, are understood to have arrived via Birmingham Airport. Nevertheless, their homecoming has faced challenges, notably ongoing controversies surrounding taxpayer-funded security arrangements. Reports have also indicated that concerns over safety have led the family to withdraw their children from school.
READ MORE: 11-Day Closure Planned for A419 Near Stroud to Address Hillside Stability
READ MORE: Earl Spencer Shares Insight on Writing Memoir About Diana and Responds to King’s Remarks
In this context, several Cotswolds celebrities have shared their perspectives. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, a television personality and potential neighbour, recently remarked on the local community’s ability to discern authenticity, suggesting Meghan will need to be genuine to integrate successfully.
Building on this local insight, fashion designer Lulu Guinness, who has lived in the Cotswolds for many years, offered words of counsel to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Speaking to the Sunday Telegraph, she advised the couple to “keep your head down” and focus on their children’s wellbeing.
“I’d just try and keep your head down. Do it for the children,” Lulu said. “Try and keep everything as calm as possible, get their children settled into a school and just be good people. If you put your children first, you can’t go wrong.”
Lulu also pointed out that Prince Harry should find the area familiar, having spent parts of his childhood at Highgrove House near Tetbury.
Amid speculation regarding the length of Harry and Meghan’s stay in the UK, local residents have expressed concerns about the couple’s potential long-term presence in the region.
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen commented that Harry’s longstanding ties to the area might result in a warmer reception compared to that for Meghan. He further cautioned the Duchess about the discerning nature of local residents, particularly emphasising the resolute attitudes of some local mothers.
“So I think the Duchess is going to need to not be too much about the airs and graces if she’s going to be picking the kids up from the school gates. I wouldn’t want to take them [other Cotswold mums] on, I wouldn’t want to p**s them off, I can tell you now,” he added.
Meanwhile, reports continue to speculate that Harry and Meghan could return to California if their plea for publicly funded security is not granted. The request remains under review.