Prince Harry is reportedly homesick and contemplating purchasing a property in the UK as he navigates tensions within his family and strains in his social life. Kinsey Schofield, host of the "To Di For Daily" podcast, told Fox News that the Duke of Sussex is exploring the idea of buying a home across the pond to visit more frequently and possibly mend fences with his estranged family.
"Harry is both content with his new lifestyle and homesick," said Schofield. "It just depends on the day. I'm sure Harry could get homesick, and we know that he is prone to wearing his heart on his sleeve." Schofield added that Meghan Markle, Harry's wife, might allow him to establish a residence in the UK if it makes him happy, although she has little interest in participating in the process or visiting.
The speculation comes after Grant Harrold, King Charles' former butler, told the New York Post that Harry has been considering properties in the UK. Harrold stated, "Not having a home in the UK was probably a joint decision initially, but as time goes on, people's views and decisions can change."
However, any move to buy property in the UK is complicated by Harry's ongoing legal battles over security. The prince lost an initial bid to appeal a High Court ruling that limits his access to publicly funded security. Harry argued that his private security team in the US does not have adequate jurisdiction abroad or access to UK intelligence information, making it unsafe for him and his family to visit without proper protection.
While Harry contemplates a return to the UK, Meghan Markle appears focused on solidifying her status in Hollywood. Schofield noted, "Meghan is totally focused on winning over the elite in Hollywood. With jam. And dog treats." This divergence in priorities has reportedly contributed to tensions between Harry and his friends, many of whom have not visited him in the US due to rifts with Meghan.
Harry has a strained relationship with his family, having seen his father infrequently since stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and moving to California. He rushed to London in February after King Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer. Despite their differences, Harry expressed hope that his father's illness could help bring the family closer.
Adding to the family's challenges, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, revealed she is battling cancer and asked for "time, space and privacy" while undergoing treatment. Her announcement came just before making a public appearance at Trooping the Colour in London.
Harry's desire to re-establish a base in the UK is also driven by practical concerns. Royal commentator Tom Quinn told The Mirror, "As time goes by, Harry misses some aspects of his old life in the UK." Quinn noted that Harry's friends from his school and army days have not visited him in the US due to their strained relationship with Meghan. "Harry is determined to find his own permanent home in the UK, which is partly why he's continuing his legal action to get the British taxpayer to pay for his security," Quinn added.
Despite their challenges, Schofield believes that Harry securing a family home in the UK could help rebuild bridges with his family. "It would be a smart move for Prince Harry to secure a family home here in the UK as he can start building bridges with his family," she said. However, the couple's decision to renounce their British residency and declare the US as their home complicates any potential move.
After being evicted from Frogmore Cottage, a royal residence gifted to them by the late Queen Elizabeth II, Harry and Meghan have been without a permanent home in the UK. The couple repaid the $3.2 million spent on renovating Frogmore Cottage shortly after finalizing their Netflix deal in 2020. Now, without an official royal residence, they must stay with friends or in hotels during their UK visits.
As Prince Harry navigates his homesickness and strained relationships, his potential return to the UK remains uncertain. Balancing his desire to reconnect with his roots and Meghan's focus on her Hollywood career will be crucial for their future. With legal battles over security and the complexities of their dual lives, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex face significant challenges in the coming years.
