Prince Harry and Meghan Markle traded Montecito, California, for the English countryside, but royal experts say the couple never intended to let go of either. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to keep their ties to Montecito and their businesses based in the United States even as they house-hunt in Britain, an arrangement one commentator says amounts to wanting the “best of both worlds.”
“I suspect they want the best of both worlds,” royal commentator Kinsey Schofield told Fox News Digital on Saturday. “Access to Britain, proximity to the monarchy and the credibility that comes with Harry’s royal identity, while maintaining the freedom and commercial opportunities they associate with life outside the U.K.” Schofield said the reported setup resembles the “half-in, half-out” role that Queen Elizabeth II rejected when the couple stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
She also pointed to mixed signals about how long the Sussexes intend to stay. “Harry and Meghan never do what they say or say what they mean,” Schofield said. “One year ago, Harry told us the U.K. was not safe enough to bring his wife and children. Now someone is briefing the Daily Mail that Harry has a 15-year plan in the U.K. Alternatively, we’re briefed this could be temporary.” She added, “I would describe it as a trial run rather than a definitive homecoming.”
The couple flew privately from California and landed in Britain with their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, on August 26. According to reports, they are searching for a home in the Cotswolds and have vowed to avoid public comments or photos that could overshadow Prince George’s first weeks at Eton this month.
Experts Say the Sussexes Are ‘Keeping Their Options Open’
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital the couple has increasingly cast itself as a global brand rather than committing to either country. “They reportedly see themselves as ‘international citizens,'” he said.
British broadcaster Helena Chard was blunter about the motive. “Things haven’t gone to plan for various reasons, but one thing’s for sure: They need to keep relevant,” she said. “Cue travel to the U.K., be seen with the British Royal Family and push for state-funded armed police protection.” She added, “Like a dog with a bone, Harry will fight for everything he believes his family deserves.”
Schofield suggested the two Sussexes may not be equally invested in the move. “Harry may see Britain as coming home. Meghan may see Britain as somewhere useful to spend part of the year,” she said. “Those are two very different emotional investments.” Rather than planting one flag, she added, the Sussexes appear to be “keeping several doors open.”
A spokesperson for Archewell, which handles the couple’s offices, did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. For now, the Sussexes have said nothing publicly about how long Britain will be home, and the experts watching them are not expecting a straight answer anytime soon.
