Meghan Markle and Prince Harry face scrutiny over lavish UK home demands
Reported lavish house-hunting demands by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry face scrutiny in the United Kingdom. Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield joins co-host Ainsley Earhardt to discuss reports that the couple’s wish list includes a nine-bedroom estate, a film studio and extensive private land, highlighting contradictions in their previous complaints about royal life.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have returned to the United Kingdom with their two children, but royal experts say the move may be less about a permanent homecoming and more about securing the “best of both worlds.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex — who are reportedly looking for a home in Britain — are expected to maintain their ties to Montecito, California, while keeping their businesses based in the United States.
Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield told Digital that the reported arrangement appears to give the couple access to Britain and the royal family while allowing them to maintain their independent lives in the U.S.
“I suspect they want the best of both worlds — 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.
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Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, have returned to Britain with their two children. (The David Foster Foundation via Getty Images)
Schofield said the Sussexes’ reported plans resemble the “half-in, half-out” role that Queen Elizabeth II rejected when Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
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While the couple has reportedly vowed to avoid making public comments or releasing photos that could overshadow Prince George’s start at Eton this month, Schofield said the Sussexes’ broader U.K. plans raise questions about whether they are truly returning to Britain for good or simply testing the waters.
The couple have vowed not to “hijack” the spotlight as Prince George prepares to attend Eton this month, royal expert Neil Sean previously told Digital. (Karwai Tang)
“Harry and Meghan never do what they say or say what they mean,” she 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.”
“I would describe it as a trial run rather than a definitive homecoming,” Schofield added.
Harry and Meghan relocated to California in 2020 after stepping back as working members of the royal family. Since then, they have released various projects, including a Netflix docuseries and Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” and have pursued a series of entertainment and business ventures outside the monarchy.
Harry and Meghan’s move overseas might be less about a permanent homecoming and more about securing the “best of both worlds,” according to experts. (Karwai Tang/WireImage)
However, their return to Britain has raised questions about their motives.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said Harry and Meghan have increasingly presented themselves as an “international” power couple, rather than tying themselves to either the U.K. or the U.S.
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“They reportedly see themselves as ‘international citizens,’” Fitzwilliams told Digital. “They claim that their balance of business activities and trips abroad over the last six years is a success.”
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“Rather than planting one flag, the Sussexes appear to be keeping several doors open,” Schofield added.
Helena Chard, a British broadcaster and photographer, also said Harry and Meghan are “keeping their options open.”
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Prince Harry (left) and Prince William (right) attend the unveiling of a statue of their mother, Princess Diana, at The Sunken Garden in Kensington Palace, London on July 1, 2021, which would have been her 60th birthday. Royal experts told Digital the last time the brothers spoke was in 2022 during Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. (Dominic Lipinski/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
“Things haven’t gone to plan for various reasons, but one thing’s for sure: They need to keep relevant,” Chard told Digital. “Cue travel to the U.K., be seen with the British Royal Family and push for state-funded armed police protection.”
Chard said enrolling the children in a British school could benefit the family while also helping Harry pursue the security arrangements he has sought since stepping back as a working royal.
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“Like a dog with a bone, Harry will fight for everything he believes his family deserves,” Chard said.
The experts also questioned whether Harry and Meghan are equally invested in making Britain a permanent home.
“Harry has much more at stake emotionally,” Schofield said. “Returning gives him an opportunity to reconnect with his country, his family, old friends and a version of his identity that he walked away from six years ago.”
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“Rather than planting one flag, the Sussexes appear to be keeping several doors open,” Kinsey Schofield told Digital. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation)
“For Meghan, Britain carries different associations,” she continued. “She has repeatedly described her royal experience as deeply unhappy, so I think it is reasonable to question whether she could ever feel the same enthusiasm Harry might feel about putting down permanent roots.”
“Harry may see Britain as coming home. Meghan may see Britain as somewhere useful to spend part of the year,” Schofield said. “Those are two very different emotional investments.”
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A spokesperson for Archewell, which handles the offices of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, did not immediately respond to Digital’s request for comment.
