Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly prioritizing their relationship as they prepare to begin a new chapter in the UK.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are now readjusting to their old home after spending years away in California following their departure in 2020, when they stepped down from their role as working members of the royal family.
Sources report that Harry and Meghan know the transition will be difficult and are already figuring out ways to keep their eight-year marriage from falling apart under the pressure.
5Meghan and Harry’s sudden new life in Britain will be a dramatic shift from the California life they built for themselves after stepping away from royal duties, and they are very aware of it.
The couple arrived in the UK on August 26 with their two kids, Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, shortly after reports announced their plan to stay in the country for an extended period.
As the Sussexes begin establishing their base in the kingdom, they face a transition that is reportedly much more challenging than a simple change of address.
One source tells Star Magazine, “They’re very aware that this is going to be challenging — it’s an enormous upheaval.”
The source claims that Harry and Meghan are actively trying to brace themselves for the stress that could come as a result of the relocation.
“They’re being proactive and talking about what can be done to make sure the stress of this all doesn’t tear them apart,” the source added.
Ellen DeGeneres Reportedly Made Transition A Little Smoother For The Sussexes
5The Sussexes reportedly leaned on none other than Ellen DeGeneres when finding their new home in the UK.
According to the news outlet, sources shared that Ellen and her wife, Portia de Rossi, who relocated to Britain following the 2024 presidential election, guided the Sussexes on where to settle.
“Harry knows Britain, but he doesn’t know British real estate,” a source said, noting that the prince never had to worry about certain important aspects of settling down in a new place in the UK.
Another source added that Ellen’s assistance went beyond offering real estate advice; she reportedly helped the family understand, “which areas offered genuine privacy without leaving them isolated from London.”
How Prince Harry And Meghan Plan To Keep The Romance Going
5One of the biggest ways the Sussexes are tackling the “enormous upheaval” is particularly romantic. The couple has reportedly made it a point to make time for each other.
The duke and duchess are said to have decided to schedule their date nights because their professional and royal family commitments could make it difficult for them to spend some time together in private.
“They’re both going to be extremely busy, which means it really does need to go in the calendar or it simply won’t happen,” the source noted, per Star.
The Couple Has A Very Busy Schedule Amid Their UK Return
5Meghan and Harry’s need to schedule time together is not unwarranted, as the couple is set to lead very busy lives as they resettle.
Harry continues to be heavily involved with the Invictus Games Foundation, which he established in 2014 for wounded and sick veterans.
The Invictus Games are scheduled to take place in Birmingham next year, and his return puts him in much closer proximity to the foundation, meaning his responsibilities could only increase.
Meghan, meanwhile, has her lifestyle brand As Ever and other entertainment projects. Her reported return to acting in the UK could also add to the distance the couple is worried about.
Meghan Markle’s Acting Comeback Adds To The Challenge
5Meghan’s professional life could only become more hectic as she’s supposedly set to resume her acting career in the UK.
The Duchess of Sussex stepped away from acting after getting engaged to Harry and became a part of England’s royal family.
Her last major role was in “Suits,” where she played Rachel Zane for 7 seasons. News has since come out about a possible return, and it’s reportedly part of the reason the Sussexes relocated to the UK.
Deadline reported on the duchess’s acting return and noted that she may be in early talks to play a part in the third season of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series “The Gentleman.” The role would mark her first major acting project since she left the industry.
Although there has been no official confirmation, the alleged acting role could leave her with even less time for her family.
Meghan’s filming commitments, as well as Harry’s involvement with Invictus and their kids’ schooling, are all part of the family’s considerations as they plan to avoid being away from each other for too long.