BREAKING: Prince Harry, Meghan pay price for hasty decision as delays foil key plans
Prince Harry and Meghan Face Long Wait for Permanent UK Home as Security Decision Still Hangs Over Family
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could be facing a lengthy wait before moving into a permanent UK home, despite pressing ahead with their return to Britain and settling Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet into school.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly determined to live as private citizens without financial support from King Charles, but their move has brought a series of practical challenges.
Their children have already started school, while the question of permanent police protection remains unresolved.
Now, a friend of Harry has claimed the couple are temporarily staying at a property belonging to someone they know while searching for a home of their own.
According to a report by Alison Boshoff for the Daily Mail, speculation has been intense among local estate agents and landowners over where the Sussexes are currently living and what type of property they hope to buy.
‘Highly Unlikely’ to Find Somewhere Ready Immediately
A friend of Harry said the couple are staying “in a property on the estate of a friend” for the time being.
The source suggested Harry does not expect them to find a suitable permanent residence quickly.
“The truth is Harry feels they are highly unlikely to find somewhere that is just ready to move into,” the friend said.
They added that it could take “12 to 18 months” before the family is settled into a new home, depending on when a purchase is completed and how much work the property requires.
Even that estimate may prove optimistic.
“So, it could be even further away than that,” the source claimed.
Reports have previously linked the Sussexes with the Cotswolds, but no permanent home has been publicly confirmed.
The family’s exact current location also remains private.
Meghan Said to Be ‘100 Per Cent All-In’
There has also been speculation that Meghan may divide her time between Britain and the United States because of her work.
However, Harry’s friend pushed back on suggestions that she is reluctant to make the UK move permanent.
The source insisted Meghan is “100 per cent all-in” with the relocation.
House-hunting could also become one of her main projects as the family settles back into Britain.
The couple are reportedly interested in a historic property, which could make the process considerably more complicated.
Older estates often require extensive renovation, and the report claims Harry and Meghan expect that any home they choose may need significant work before they can move in.
The source claimed they are looking with a budget of more than £8 million.
“They have engaged a number of agents who have been looking for them for the past month or so,” the friend said.
“Everyone is speculating like mad on which places they like or don’t like, or might buy.”
Search Could Take Considerable Time
The problem, according to the source, is not simply finding an expensive home.
Harry and Meghan are reportedly looking for a property with a substantial amount of land, which makes suitable options much rarer.
“The kind of property they are looking for with the amount of land doesn’t come up every week,” the source explained.
“So they know it might be a long search for the right place.”
That leaves the Sussexes potentially facing an extended period in temporary accommodation while Archie and Lilibet adjust to school and the family waits for clarity over security arrangements.
The issue of police protection remains particularly important because the couple are now expected to spend far more time in Britain.
No final decision on permanent taxpayer-funded protection was detailed in the report.
For now, Harry and Meghan appear committed to making the move work, even if finding the right permanent base proves much slower than expected.
The couple have reportedly already started searching seriously, but their requirements, budget and preference for a historic estate with substantial land mean the process could stretch well into next year.
Until then, the Sussexes are said to be relying on temporary accommodation while balancing school life, security concerns and the search for a home suitable for their long-term return to Britain.
