Prince Harry was reportedly happier in the U.K. than California before major move home

Prince Harry is preparing to return to the country he once left behind, and a new report is shedding light on what may have been happening behind the scenes before the major family decision.

Six years after the Duke of Sussex moved to California with Meghan Markle, Harry was reportedly not as content with life in the U.S. as he was in his home country.

“Harry is not as happy in the U.S. as he is in the U.K.,” a source exclusively told Us Weekly following news that the Sussexes are moving back to Britain.

The source added that Harry and Meghan are looking toward the future: “They are open to a new chapter.”

The comments offer new context surrounding a decision that marks the Sussex family’s biggest change since stepping away from royal duties in 2020.

Harry and Meghan are relocating to Britain with Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, for an extended period, with their children expected to begin school in the U.K. in September. They will establish a private, non-royal residence while retaining their homes in Montecito, California, and Portugal.

Harry’s return had been building:

There had already been signs that Harry was increasingly drawn back to Britain before news of the family’s move emerged.

Days before the relocation was reported, The Times revealed that Harry planned to return to his home country “every few months,” with his U.K. visits expected to increase as he dedicates more time to his patronages and the Invictus Games.

“The way the wind is blowing, he’s going to want to be here more and more,” a source told the publication. Harry’s growing desire to spend time in Britain followed an important summer visit with Meghan, Archie and Lilibet.

The family privately reunited with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove, marking the King’s first time seeing his grandchildren in more than four years. 

The Sussexes later traveled to Althorp, the childhood home and final resting place of Princess Diana, where they spent time with Harry’s maternal family.

The visit appeared to represent a turning point. Harry was reportedly left feeling “buoyed, very happy and really energised” following the gathering with his father.

What initially appeared to be plans for more frequent visits have now become something much bigger: Harry is establishing a home in Britain again.

Finding a place between two worlds:

The latest report also suggests Harry has continued to approach professional opportunities with his royal background in mind, despite no longer being a working member of the family.

“Harry still operates as if he were a member of the royal family when he evaluates opportunities,” the source told Us Weekly. According to the insider, that approach can make finding the right commercial projects difficult.

“He wants to do things that are a right fit for him, but that can be very limiting,” the source said, adding that Harry and Meghan also “need to find ways to make money” and are looking for partnerships that are both appropriate and financially successful.

It is a dilemma that has followed Harry throughout his post-royal life: how to build an independent career while remaining one of the world’s most recognizable members of the British royal family.

Harry and Meghan’s return to Britain won’t change their official status. They are expected to remain private, non-working members of the royal family rather than resume duties on behalf of the monarch.

Harry, however, will be considerably closer to many of the causes that have remained central to his public life.

He is expected to spend more time supporting U.K.-based organizations including WellChild and Scotty’s Little Soldiers, while continuing his work with the Invictus Games.

California isn’t being left behind:

The Sussexes’ move does not mean they are completely abandoning the life they built in the United States.

Harry and Meghan will retain their Montecito residence, while Meghan is expected to continue overseeing her lifestyle brand, As Ever, from the couple’s international bases.

Portugal will remain part of their lives as well. “They’ve been spending a lot of time in Portugal this summer,” the Us Weekly source said, noting that both Harry and Meghan have friends and a community there.

The arrangement effectively gives the Sussex family three international bases while allowing Harry to reconnect more closely with the country where he spent the first 35 years of his life.

A very different return home:

Harry’s return also comes as his relationship with his father appears to be entering a warmer period.

King Charles was reportedly informed of the Sussexes’ plans before the news became public and is said to welcome the opportunity to spend more time with Harry, Meghan and his grandchildren privately.

The same progress has not yet been seen between Harry and Prince William. Reports continue to describe the brothers as estranged, although Harry’s physical return to Britain could create new opportunities for their paths to cross.

For Harry, however, the move represents something bigger than another royal reunion. For years, California represented the new life he and Meghan created after leaving the monarchy. 

Now, the Duke appears ready to build a life that allows him to move between the independence he found abroad and the personal connections, charities and sense of home he left behind in Britain.

Six years after leaving, Harry isn’t simply planning more visits. He’s coming home.