Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have decided against relocating to the 13,000-acre Althorp estate in Northamptonshire. instead, the couple is reportedly arranging a residence in the Cotswolds as they prepare for their return to the United Kingdom.
The 13,000-acre Althorp estate was not the destination
Speculation regarding a move to the Althorp estate intensified after the Duchess of Sussex shared Instagram photos of a family visit.. These images depicted Prince Harry and his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, walking the grounds of the Northamptonshire estate where Princess Diana grew up and is buried.
The visual evidence of the family's intimacy with the grounds—including photos of Prince Harry and Prince Archie carrying bouquets for Princess Diana's grave—led many to believe the couple would settle on the ancestral land. However, the report clarifies that these visits were familial rather than a precursor to a permanent move.
Earl Spencer's open door and the 500-year family legacy
According to the report, Earl Spencer was prepared to offer a home to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the Althorp estate, which has served as the Spencer family seat for over 500 years. While a source close to Earl Spencer denied a formal offer was made, they indicated that the Earl would have done everything possible to find a suitable residence had Prince Harry requested one.
This willingness underscores the enduring bond between Prince Harry and Earl Spencer , which remained intact even after the couple's 2020 decision to step back as senior royals. Despite this support, the report says the Sussexes did not make any such request during their recent weekend stay.
A shift toward the Cotswolds and celebrity-owned properties
Rather than the ancestral ties of Northamptonshire, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly pinpointed a property in the Cotswolds for their UK base.. This region is a frequent haunt for the British elite and high-profile figures, offering a blend of rural privacy and accessibility to London.
The move to the Cotswolds aligns with a pattern of seeking seclusion away from the immediate glare of the royal court. as the report suggests, Meghan Markle may have already scouted the area, visiting two local schools in July while Prince Harry was attending an Invictus Games event.
Which celebrity owns the Cotswolds property?
Several details regarding the new residence remain unverified, most notably the identity of the celebrity who reportedly owns the property the Sussexes are eyeing. the source does not name the owner, leaving a significant gap in the narrative of where the couple will actually reside.
Additionally, it remains unclear which specific schools Meghan Markle visited in the Cotswolds or if those visits have resulted in enrollment plans for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The report relies on unnamed sources for these claims, and neither the Sussexes nor the Spencer estate have provided official confirmation of the property's location.
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