If a permanent move to the UK was on the table for The Sussexes, the royal pair would reportedly look to move to the Cotswolds. Celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres, James Corden and even Beyoncé have taken up residence in the Cotswolds countryside in recent years.
A source told the Daily Mail: “I’d say the Cotswolds would be somewhere they might look if they were thinking about a home outside the royal estate.” The paper also reported Meghan would prefer to live among celebrities who have moved to the area.
US TV star Ellen DeGeneres previously lived in Montecito, California, near Harry and Meghan’s residence, but recently shared she decided to settle in England the day after Donald Trump was re-elected US president.
While the California-based royals have shared no plans to move back to the UK, a royal insider has told the Daily Mail that given the couple’s history with the Palace and their aides, the Duchess of Sussex might want a private home in the Cotswolds away from The Firm.
But Harry might be tempted to stay at a royal home for security reasons. As reported in the Mail, a source said: “Security is obviously still a big issue for the Sussexes. So stays within the occupied Royal Palaces estate would make sense because then they would be within the security perimeter.”
Back in May 2025, Prince Harry lost a court of appeal challenge over his security arrangements while in the UK, allowing the UK government to proceed with a “bespoke” level of protection to his family.
However, the question of his security in his home country was back in the spotlight following revelations that a “known stalker” came within feet of the Prince during his most recent trip to the UK in September.
Currently, Harry’s security in the UK is decided on a case-by-case basis, as was determined by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) when he stepped back as a working royal.
The Prince has previously stated he wants the guarantee of police protection. He has also previously said that he does not feel able to bring his family to the UK without this.
Harry first brought a legal challenge over the Ravec decision in September 2021, but both the UK’s High Court and the Court of Appeal subsequently ruled against him.