Meghan & Harry's UK House-Hunt May Be Over — And The Move Says It All About Their Montecito Home

After surprising the world with their sudden return to the U.K. in August 2026, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are finally settling into their new home in the Cotswolds. The couple has been living in the main house of an undisclosed wealthy friend with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. For the past three months, they have been on the hunt for a Cotswolds property in the countryside, working with a budget of £10 million. It was initially reported that Meghan was looking for a home equipped with a film studio and at least nine bedrooms, while Harry wanted a large property away from areas frequented by pedestrians, according to the Daily Mail. 

These specific parameters had many expecting the Sussexes to purchase a lavish permanent address while the royal firm keeps its locks changed on them, but they have apparently settled for a less fixed solution. On November 2, 2026, The Daily Mail's Richard Eden reported that the royal couple had decided to remain on their friend's estate. "They were living in the main house," a source close to their friend told The Daily Mail. "They have now moved to a property on the estate." 

The move paints a clearer picture of the fate of their Montecito home in California. The couple had reportedly decided to keep their $29 million mansion, including its resident chickens, which staff are reportedly taking care of. Given their lack of commitment to purchasing a brand-new estate for themselves, it appears the royals are already preparing their exit strategy if things go south in the U.K. With their 7.4-acre California property to run back to, it is apparent more than ever that Harry and Meghan's UK return will live or die on the state of their marriage.

There have been many rumors about why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle really left the U.S., and they do not seem to be slowing down soon. As the couple settles into their new home on their friend's estate, the internet has a lot to say about it. "Maybe they should just buy an RV & set up shop in a trailer park. They can pull up stakes & book if anyone dares to say 'Hi,'" one Instagram user suggested. Many online commentators were also quick to call them "couch surfers" for living in other people's homes, like their stay at friend Tyler Perry's house in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Others criticized the couple's turbulent lifestyle, arguing that it could take a toll on their young children during their early fundamental years. "I doubt these kids have ever got around to unpacking their suitcases," one commented. "Archie has had five moves between six homes, across three countries and Lili has had two moves between three homes, across two countries, from Canada, to Tyler Perry's home in Beverly Hills, Montecito, private residence in the UK, then moving to the Cotswolds and now apparently moving into another home they haven't got any stability in their lives."

Not everyone has been critical of the couple's latest move. Some Redditors praised the sensible decision to stay on their friend's property, especially as they navigate the early stages of their big move and test the waters just in case they decide to head back to the U.S. "It was always about trying it out. I suspect things just aren't as comfortable for the family as they were in California," one Redditor speculated.