Rumblings of a potential move back to the UK for Prince Harry have ignited fresh speculation among royal watchers.
A recent report published by OK! claims that Harry is keen to buy a second home in England so his family can split their time between there and California. But does the Duke of Sussex really want to put down roots in his native country again?
Is Prince Harry House Hunting in the UK?
According to an unnamed source, Harry is “very much leading” the search for a property near London as he wants his wife Meghan Markle, and their two young children, Archie and Lilibet, to be able to come and go from the UK.
The rationale is that a second home would allow the Sussexes to spend more time with Harry’s extended family.
Since retiring from royal duties in 2020, Harry has only returned to the UK sporadically, but Meghan has not been back since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
The source speculates finding a happy medium between California and the UK could ease tensions between the Sussexes and the rest of the royals.
It would also allow Archie and Lilibet to bond with their cousins Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
However, the informant also hints that the house-hunting idea is causing some friction between Harry and Meghan.
The Duchess allegedly “very much loves their life in the US” and may not be eager to increase her time spent across the pond.
So how likely is this rumor of Harry angling for a UK base?
Royal expert Duncan Larcombe believes it makes perfect sense, arguing the prince will want his children to know their British relatives before it’s too late.
He points out that Harry has come home periodically already and may continue solo trips for events like the Invictus Games.
That said, Larcombe doubts Meghan shares Harry’s desire for more time in England. Her limited visits since stepping back as senior royals hint she prefers their California life.
“Harry’s got more reason to come back to the UK than Meghan.”
In the end, rumors of Harry house hunting in the UK should be taken with a grain of salt. While he may desire a way for his children to connect to their British roots, pushing Meghan to split time across the pond could cause friction.
The Sussexes seem happy in Montecito for now. But only time will tell whether the prince decides to plant new roots back home.