Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly move into a new Cotswolds home on a friend's estate

A second move on the same estate

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly moved into a new Cotswolds home on their friend's estate. ^[1] The move affects the couple and their children, Archie and Lilibet, who are settling into life in the U.K. ^[2]

After moving to the U.K., the couple was first living in the main house of their friend's sprawling property. ^[1] The Daily Mail reported that they have since moved onto another property on the estate. ^[1]

The friend is a wealthy businessman whom Harry befriended through their mutual support for various charities. ^[1]

The search for a home

Harry and Meghan were rumored to have been house hunting, with Meghan reportedly looking to replicate the luxury of their Montecito mansion. ^[1] The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to have turned their attention to the Cotswolds, an area Harry knows well. ^[3]

The duchess reportedly wants the U.K. residence to have nine bedrooms, the same number as their California estate. ^[1]

Two homes stay in place

Harry and Meghan are officially moving back to the United Kingdom this August with Archie and Lilibet to establish a private home base. ^[2] The couple will keep their Montecito estate and a holiday property in Portugal while securing an undisclosed residence in Britain. ^[2]

Why Harry says the family returned

After six years living in California, Harry said he increasingly wanted his children to become familiar with the country where he spent his own childhood. ^[1] He admitted that he and Meghan had not necessarily mapped out the move years in advance. ^[1]

Harry said that putting the children in a British school has meant a lot to him. ^[1] He said he is not criticizing American schools and that two different cultural experiences are important for his children. ^[1]

Archie and Lilibet were forced to change schools just two days into the academic year due to security and logistical concerns surrounding their commute. ^[1]

Harry said returning to Britain has allowed his children to spend more time with relatives. ^[1] He said another motivation was to be back closer to his family and on U.K. soil for longer than a few days or a week. ^[1]

Family, work and the press

According to People, Harry and Meghan have set a schedule centered around their children's school hours while continuing to prioritize family time. ^[1] According to an insider told to People, they are eager to devote more attention to their philanthropic endeavors. ^[1]

Harry expressed hope that his family's return could mark the beginning of a more positive chapter with the British press. ^[1] He said he is optimistic and hopeful about the future but no longer naive. ^[1]

Harry lost his taxpayer-funded police protection upon stepping back from royal duties. ^[2] His relationship with Prince William remains frozen, with no contact, according to a source close to the family in July. ^[2]