King Charles was informed that his younger son, Prince Harry, plans to move back to the UK with his family just days before the news was made public.
The King was told by the Duke of Sussex of his intentions to relocate to the UK on Sunday. News reports of the move emerged on Wednesday.
The move, or even a hint of it, was not discussed in July when King Charles, along with Queen Camilla, hosted the Sussexes for afternoon tea at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire.
However, the relocation to the UK is already imminent and will take place before the end of August, according to reports.
It is understood that the two children of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Archie and Lilibet, have already been enrolled in British schools.
Reports indicate that the couple will live outside London. They will set up home in a private, non royal residence and retain their properties in California and Portugal.
The move is described as a long term situation although there is no confirmation it is a permanent relocation. However, the decision to send Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to school here is an indication of some future planning.
Following the revelation, which came as a surprise announcement late on Wednesday evening, it was confirmed that Harry and Meghan will not becoming working royals again and that their current situation, as private citizens pursuing their own private business interests, continues.
The Duke of Sussex is working towards next year’s Invictus Games and the Duchess of Sussex continues to pursue her work with her own company, As Ever.
News of their return broke just after King Charles arrived at Balmoral for his annual stay. He is usually joined by members of the Royal Family at the Scottish retreat with the Prince and Princess of Wales set to visit with their three children ahead of the new school year starting in September.
The official welcome ceremony saw The King welcomed to Balmoral by a guard of honour.
Speculation immediately began over whether Harry and Meghan would be guests at Balmoral. However, The King has a busy schedule on this part of his holiday, planned well in advance. On his ‘to do’ list is hosting a weekend with the Prime Minister who traditionally spends several days at Balmoral in August. This year, the Monarch and the PM will have plenty to talk about as the current incumbent, Andy Burnham, has only been in office for six weeks.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are also understood to have been informed of the plans of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to return but have made no comment.
Although Harry and Meghan won’t be working royals, their presence in the UK has already led to questions about whether they will spend Christmas and Easter with the Windsors. King Charles is joined by many non working royals for the celebrations, leading to speculation that the Sussexes will be seen with the royals before the end of the year.
