The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are preparing to depart the United States to return to the United Kingdom after living in California for several years. The couple initially moved to Montecito in 2020 following their decision to step back from duties as working members of the Royal Family. While the couple achieved early commercial success through media contracts, reports indicate that some of these high-profile business arrangements have since concluded or been scaled back.
The move to the U.S. was originally described by the Duchess in a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey as a search for "liberating" freedom and financial independence. Prince Harry stated at the time that the move provided a level of privacy for his family that would not have been possible in the U.K. During their time in California, they secured multimillion-dollar deals with major entertainment entities, including Spotify and Netflix, and Prince Harry published a record-breaking memoir.
Recent developments show a shift in their professional standing. In 2023, the couple and Spotify "mutually agreed to part ways" after one 12-episode podcast series. While a five-year Netflix deal remains, it has transitioned to a less lucrative arrangement amid a general downturn in the entertainment industry. Additionally, Meghan’s lifestyle series, "With Love, Meghan," was canceled after two seasons, and Netflix ended its involvement with her lifestyle brand, As Ever, earlier this year.
For their employees, the tenure was marked by high staff turnover, with some former staff members referring to themselves as the "Sussex Survivors Club." The couple’s shift back to the U.K. could lead to new roles or projects, as some observers, such as royal watcher Elizabeth Holmes, suggest the Duchess may return to acting. The transition also impacts the public profile of the Royal Family, as the couple continues to use their proximity to the institution to validate their commercial ventures, according to podcast host Kinsey Schofield.
The concrete day-to-day change for the couple will involve a move from their celebrity enclave in Montecito back to British soil. While Prince Harry has expressed a desire for "reconciliation" with the Royal Family, the specific nature of their future roles in the U.K. is not yet defined. They still have scripted projects and a documentary in development, but the timing for these releases and the official date of their permanent relocation have not been publicly confirmed.
What happens next involves the completion of their current production commitments, including a scripted series about polo. Prince Harry recently visited the King with his family for the first time in four years, indicating ongoing family interactions. However, specific dates for court appearances, formal votes, or the effective date of their move remain unreported.