Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have surprised many by announcing their plans to return to the United Kingdom. The couple, along with their children Archie and Lilibet-both registered at British schools for the September academic year-are expected back in the UK later this month.
Despite the excitement around their return, royal commentator and biographer Andrew Lownie believes there is one aspect of life in the UK that Meghan Markle may find difficult to adjust to after spending over six years in California.
While the exact details of their new living arrangements remain private, reports suggest the family could settle in a private estate outside London. Two locations frequently mentioned are Northamptonshire, near the late Princess Diana’s family estate, and the Cotswolds, an area known for its celebrity residents and affluent community.
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Lownie highlighted one particular challenge for Meghan: the often gloomy British weather. Speaking on The Daily T podcast, he said, “I can’t see Meghan enjoying a Cotswolds winter with the rain coming down, and her mother a long way away. So I just can’t see this working.”
Lownie, who has authored several books on the Royal Family including his latest work on the House of York, also reflected on the dynamics of Harry and Meghan’s decision to leave their American lifestyle behind. He noted that the move appeared sudden and reportedly surprised even King Charles.
He commented, “We’ve always thought that Harry was under the thumb of Meghan, with little compromise. Now, it seems Harry is keen to provide his children with a British education and to return to his friends. It appears he has felt very isolated in California.”
In addition to these insights, property expert Cal Graham from We Buy Any Home suggested the couple’s new home might be modest in appearance due to their desire for privacy and security. Graham emphasised that a discreet, shielded property on a private estate-set back from public roads and concealed by mature landscaping-would be preferable to an ostentatious country mansion, helping to avoid public attention.
As the former royal couple prepares to reestablish themselves in the UK, adjustment to the local climate and lifestyle will be among the many changes they face after years abroad.