Inside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Last Weekend in California Before Moving to UK

The Sussexes are settling into life across the Atlantic after years of calling Montecito home. Their children are already gearing up for a fresh start at a new school.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, together with their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, spent their final days in California saying farewell to loved ones before making their return to the UK last week.

The couple have recently relocated to Harry's home country and are said to be staying there as private citizens for an extended period. While they will retain their California home, as well as their vacation property in Portugal, the UK is reportedly now their primary base.

A source revealed last week that Meghan, 45, and Harry, 41, left California early Tuesday evening, August 25, traveling by private jet to England with their children and their dogs, Pula and Mia.

The insider shared that the couple spent their final weekend in Montecito with close friends, including companions of their children and Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland.

"They wanted to spend time with the people they're closest to before they left and for the kids to have some special time with friends," the source said. "It wasn't a goodbye forever. It was much more, 'We'll be back, but this is what we're doing right now.'"

The insider added that the family's departure from California, where they settled in January 2020 after stepping back from their roles as senior members of the royal family, wasn't easy on anyone.

"They've been planning this for some time, and they feel it's the right thing for their family, but that doesn't mean leaving was easy," the source explained. "Meghan really loves their life in Montecito and their home there."

"They know it's going to take a little bit of time for everyone to settle in and adjust," the source continued. "There's excitement about what's ahead too, especially for the kids. They're really happy for them and for everything they'll get to experience."

Archie and Lilibet are set to begin classes at their new school in the UK this month. The whereabouts of both their school and their new home have been kept tightly under wraps for privacy purposes, though the royal family is aware of their relocation.

Meghan and Harry will also not be resuming royal duties, something that has been a key point for the Duchess. In recent years, Meghan has spoken candidly about feeling isolated and unhappy during her time as a working royal.

The pair have been outspoken about their frustrations with the British press and what they saw as the institution's failure to protect her.

"She has been vocal about how she felt about it before, but that doesn't mean things are going to be exactly the same again," a source noted. "It doesn't mean it can't be different and can't change."

Still, despite her previously less-than-ideal experience with royal life, Meghan finds part of the appeal in what Britain can offer their children. "Meghan feels very fortunate that they're able to give Archie and Lilibet the opportunity to experience both worlds," a Montecito insider told People.

A separate source also noted that Harry "wants them to understand the world he grew up in and where their family comes from," something the Duke of Sussex has openly expressed. It seems his wish has now come true.