It's been years since the Duchess of Sussex really called London home. Since that final, rain-soaked appearance in 2020 at Westminster Abbey, the narrative has been pretty much the same: she’s done with the UK. Finished.
But honestly, the headlines saying Meghan Markle reportedly has no intention to return to England are only half the story.
If you look at the moves being made in early 2026, the reality is way more complicated than just "she hates it there." It’s about safety, the kids, and a very specific legal battle that's currently reaching a boiling point in the British courts.
The Security Factor: Why England is Currently "Off Limits"
Right now, Prince Harry is in the middle of a massive legal push regarding his family's security. It’s basically the wall standing between Meghan and a plane ticket to Heathrow.
As of January 2026, Harry is awaiting a final decision from the Home Office and RAVEC (the Royal and VIP Executive Committee). The word on the street is that the "no" they've been hearing for years might be turning into a "maybe." According to recent reports, there is "positive" movement from the British government about reinstating at least some level of taxpayer-funded, armed protection for the Sussexes when they are on UK soil.
Until that is signed, sealed, and delivered? Don't expect to see Meghan in London.
Harry has been incredibly blunt about this. He’s said he doesn't feel safe bringing Archie, 6, and Lilibet, 4, back without the kind of intelligence and protection only the state can provide. For Meghan, it’s not just a preference; it’s a non-negotiable boundary. If you can't guarantee the safety of the kids, why would she even consider it?
The Invictus Games and the "Summer Return" Rumors
Here’s where it gets interesting. Despite the "no intention to return" talk, there is a very specific date circled on the 2026 calendar: July 10.
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Birmingham is hosting the Invictus Games in 2027. This July marks the "one year to go" countdown. Insiders are whispering that Meghan might actually join Harry for this. It would be her first time back since the Queen’s funeral in 2022.
- The Catalyst: The Invictus Games are Harry’s "baby," and Meghan has rarely missed a major milestone for the event.
- The Catch: This return is 100% contingent on the security review.
- The Family Angle: There are even rumors she might bring the kids to see King Charles, who hasn't seen his youngest grandchildren in person for far too long.
So, while the broad sentiment might be that she’s "done" with the UK as a place to live, a professional visit is a different beast entirely. She’s focused on her lifestyle brand, As Ever, and her philanthropy. A high-profile appearance at Invictus isn't about "returning to the fold"—it’s about supporting her husband’s legacy.
The Portugal "Halfway House"
Wait, did you hear about the house in Portugal?
Last year, reports surfaced that the Sussexes bought a property at the CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club in Melides, Portugal. This isn't just a vacation home. It’s a strategic move.
Living in California is great, but it’s a long haul to Europe. A base in Portugal—where Princess Eugenie also spends time—gives Meghan a way to be close to the UK without actually being in the UK. It's a "Golden Visa" play that allows them freedom of movement in the Schengen area.
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Basically, it's the ultimate compromise. She can fly into London for a day, do the "job," and be back in a sunny, private villa by dinner. No Frogmore Cottage, no prying eyes in Windsor, no drama. Just a business trip.
Is the "No Intention" Narrative Just PR?
Kinda. It depends on who you ask.
Sources close to the couple, like royal expert Rob Shuter, have suggested that Meghan is "done entertaining the idea" of a UK return because she's found her peace in Montecito. She’s got her garden, her local friends, and a life that doesn't involve being analyzed by the British tabloids every time she breathes.
But then you have the other side. Some royal watchers believe the "security excuse" is just a convenient shield. If the security is restored and she still doesn't go, the optics look bad.
Honestly, it’s probably a bit of both. The UK represents a period of her life that was, by all accounts, pretty miserable for her. Why would anyone rush back to a place where they felt unsupported?
What’s Actually Happening Next
If you’re watching this story, keep your eyes on the January 19 court date. Harry is expected to give evidence in London for his case against Associated Newspapers. He’ll be there solo.
How that visit goes—and how the security is handled—will be the "litmus test" for Meghan. If Harry feels the protection was adequate and the atmosphere was manageable, the door for a July return with the whole family stays open. If it’s a circus? That door slams shut.
Key Takeaways for Following This Story:
- The RAVEC Ruling: This is the only thing that matters. If the UK government grants them protection, the "security excuse" disappears.
- The Birmingham Countdown: July 2026 is the target. If Meghan isn't there, she’s likely never coming back for anything less than a funeral.
- The Portugal Pivot: Watch for more news on their Melides home. It’s their new European HQ.
To stay ahead of the curve, you should track the official Home Office statements regarding "High-Risk Individuals" and the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 press releases. These will provide the first concrete signs of a travel itinerary long before the gossip blogs get a hold of it.