Meghan Markle’s Mother Doria Ragland Reportedly Won’t Move to the UK With Harry and Meghan

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly preparing to return to the United Kingdom after spending several years living in California. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to relocate to Britain with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, as the new school year approaches.

The reported move would represent a major change for the family, particularly for Harry, who was born and raised in the UK and has recently been associated with efforts to improve his relationship with members of his family. However, while Harry, Meghan and their children are expected to make Britain their new home, Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, is reportedly planning to remain in the United States.

Doria has been an important part of the Sussexes’ lives since they moved to California in 2020 after stepping back from their roles as senior working members of the British royal family. Since settling in Montecito, Harry and Meghan have been able to spend considerable time with Meghan’s mother, who has maintained a close relationship with both the couple and their children.

The 69-year-old grandmother is said to be particularly close to Archie and Lilibet and has frequently been described as a supportive presence in the family. Her proximity to the Sussexes’ California home has allowed her to remain actively involved in their family life and spend regular time with her grandchildren.

Doria lives less than two hours from Montecito, in a residential area outside Los Angeles. Because of the relatively short distance, she is reportedly able to visit the Sussexes frequently. Reports have suggested that she has sometimes stayed with the family at their substantial Montecito property, which includes their main residence as well as a separate guesthouse.

The family’s California home is reportedly spacious enough to accommodate Doria comfortably when she visits. Having a separate guesthouse also gives her the option of staying on the property while maintaining a degree of privacy and independence.

Despite her close relationship with Harry, Meghan and their children, Doria is reportedly not planning to accompany them when they relocate to Britain. According to reports attributed to TMZ, Meghan’s mother has established her own life in California and has a network of friends and connections in the area.

As a result, she is believed to be comfortable remaining in the United States rather than moving permanently across the Atlantic. Her decision would mean that the Sussex children are likely to live farther away from their maternal grandmother, although the family could still maintain regular contact through visits and travel.

The reported decision comes as Harry and Meghan prepare for a significant new chapter in their lives. After leaving their official royal positions, the couple moved from Britain to North America, eventually establishing their permanent base in California.

Their decision to return to the UK would therefore mark a reversal of the move they made several years ago. The couple’s reported plans have attracted considerable attention because of Harry’s complicated relationship with the British royal family and the wider significance of the Sussexes establishing a home in his native country again.

For Harry, the return could provide more opportunities to spend time with members of his family and potentially rebuild relationships that have become strained in recent years. Meghan, meanwhile, would be returning to a country where she previously lived as a working member of the Royal Family.

The couple’s children are also expected to become an important part of the transition. Archie and Lilibet have spent much of their young lives in California, and reports that they have been enrolled in schools in the UK suggest that the family intends to establish a longer-term presence there.

While the move could bring Harry and Meghan closer to the royal family, it would also mean leaving behind the community and lifestyle they have developed in California. For Doria, however, remaining in the United States may allow her to preserve the friendships and established routine she has built since her daughter and son-in-law settled there.

Doria has previously demonstrated how important her support can be to Meghan and her grandchildren. One notable example came in September 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

At the time, Harry and Meghan were already in the UK after travelling to Manchester for an event before continuing to Germany for an Invictus Games-related engagement. They then returned to London as the Queen’s health deteriorated.

When Queen Elizabeth died on September 8, 2022, the Sussexes extended their stay in Britain. Harry remained in the country to participate in events connected to the Queen’s death, including public appearances and the state funeral.

During that period, Doria was reportedly available to provide support and help care for Archie and Lilibet. Her presence was particularly valuable because Harry and Meghan had several official and family commitments to attend following the Queen’s death.

The experience highlighted the close bond between Doria and her grandchildren. As a trusted family member, she has been able to provide practical support to Meghan and Harry while also maintaining a strong relationship with Archie and Lilibet.

Her decision to remain in California does not necessarily mean that she will have a reduced role in their lives. Modern travel and the Sussexes’ ability to move between the US and UK could allow Doria to continue visiting her daughter and grandchildren. Likewise, Harry, Meghan and the children could travel back to California to spend time with her.

For now, however, reports indicate that Doria has no plans to permanently relocate to Britain. Instead, she is expected to continue living in California, where she has established a comfortable life and developed a close circle of friends.

The reported arrangement means that Harry and Meghan’s return to the UK will not involve the entire family. While the Sussexes and their children prepare for life in Britain, Doria is likely to remain based in California and continue supporting them from the United States.

The move will therefore create a new balance for the Sussex family. Harry and Meghan may be preparing to reconnect with life in Britain, while Doria maintains her home and social network in California. Despite the geographical distance, her close relationship with her daughter and grandchildren is expected to remain an important part of the family dynamic.