The Sussexes could make a major U-turn after returning to the UK in August.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have hung onto their Montecito residence (Image: Getty)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are thought to be keeping their options open after returning to the UK in August. According to News24, the Sussexes, who recently settled down in the Cotswolds, have held onto their Montecito mansion. “A source said the $14.5million California estate is not being sold or rented, with staff still maintaining the luxury property,” the publication reported.
While there’s no word on whether or not the couple will stay in the UK long-term, King Charles would no doubt be disappointed after losing the chance to spend more time with his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Nonetheless, it wouldn’t come as a total surprise if Harry and Meghan chose to make a U-turn.
Prior to New24’s report, the Sussexes had encountered some major challenges. Among them, the duo was recently forced to pull Archie and Lilibet out of their new schools and enrol them elsewhere, following security concerns about the morning school run.
The Sussexes could return to the US if things don’t work out in the UK (Image: Getty)
Adding to Meghan and Harry’s worries, a spokesperson for the couple issued a statement on Wednesday (30 September), after it was revealed that two international paparazzi photographers had been spotted surveilling Archie and Lilibet’s school.
“The decision by photographers to conduct themselves in this way around a school is extraordinarily reckless,” the statement began.
“There is a world of difference between legitimate media activity and photographers walking the perimeter of a school, stopping to look into the grounds and monitoring children as they go about their day.
“It is concerning enough that certain European paparazzi appear unwilling to respect the privacy of children at school. But to behave in this manner in these particular circumstances, and so soon after the incident at RAF Fairford, demonstrates an extraordinary lack of judgment.
Harry and Meghan are waiting to find out if they’ll receive taxpayer-funded protection (Image: Getty)
“Whatever photographs they may have been seeking, this was not only an unacceptable intrusion into the privacy of children; it was an irresponsible and ill-considered way to conduct themselves in the vicinity of a school.”
Harry and Meghan, who are classed as “private citizens” under the King’s guidance, have been attempting to secure taxpayer-funded security for their family. RAVEC, the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, has yet to confirm a decision.
In a recent article published by the Daily Mail’s Alison Boshoff, the Editor at Large wrote that those close to Harry and Meghan had suggested that the outcome of Ravec’s security review could impact their decision to either stay or leave the UK.