King Charles II was blindsided by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to move back to the UK, only learning of it four days ago, despite his estranged son already having settled on a home there.
The UK monarch had met with his long-exiled son and daughter-in-law last month — but the Duke and Duchess of Sussex did not mention their plans to the royal family, the Sun reported.
Charles only found out Sunday, days before the couple confirmed they would be crossing the pond for “an extended period,” ending the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s six years of self-imposed exile in the US.
Charles, 77, is excited to have the opportunity to see his family more often in a private capacity after learning the news, insiders said.
“I know that Charles is the reason they are moving back,” an insider told Page Six.
Harry, 41, and Markle, 45, have been planning to flee their $14 million mansion in sunny Southern California with kids Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, for several weeks — if not months, sources said.
The family have secured a non-royal residence to live in and have already enrolled the two children at a British school for the fall semester.
It remains unclear where in Britain the couple will be relocating and whether they purchased a property or will be renting.
The Sussexes will not be returning to royal life, and they will continue to pursue their independent businesses.
The move comes six years after “Megxit” — when Harry and Meghan dramatically decided to ditch their royal duties to leave the UK for California in March 2020.
During their sojourn in the US, the Sussexes failed to become successful book authors, Netflix stars or jam makers in the colonies — but were outspoken in their criticism of the royal family, setting up a possible awkward homecoming for the couple.
