The world has been captivated by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s every move since they stepped back from royal duties in 2020, and now, whispers of a bold new chapter are setting the internet ablaze. Rumors are swirling that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are planning to construct a private estate in the serene suburbs of England, designed specifically for their third child—a son reportedly expected to arrive in late 2025. This surprising development, if true, marks a significant shift for the couple, who have been firmly rooted in Montecito, California, and recently expanded their property portfolio with a luxurious vacation home in Portugal. What could be driving this high-profile pair to return to the UK with such an ambitious project? Let’s dive into the details and explore what this means for their growing family and their complex relationship with the British public.

A New Chapter in the English Countryside?

The notion of Harry and Meghan establishing a new foothold in England is intriguing, especially given their tumultuous history with the royal family and the UK. Since leaving their roles as working royals, the couple has prioritized privacy and independence, settling into a sprawling $14.7 million mansion in Montecito, California, where they raise their two children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 3. Their departure from Frogmore Cottage, their former UK residence gifted by Queen Elizabeth II, in 2023, seemed to signal a permanent shift away from British soil. The cottage, located on the Windsor estate, was vacated after King Charles III requested they leave, a move that sparked headlines and speculation about their future ties to the UK.

Now, the rumor of a new estate in England’s suburbs suggests a potential re-engagement with the country Harry once called home. While specific details about the location and design of this alleged estate remain scarce, sources close to the couple reportedly claim it’s intended as a sanctuary for their third child, a boy expected to join the family by the end of 2025. The choice of the suburbs—likely a quiet, leafy area far from London’s bustle—aligns with their previous preference for privacy, as seen in their earlier stay at Frogmore Cottage and their leased Cotswolds home in 2018. Such a move would offer a secluded environment for their growing family, away from the paparazzi’s lenses and the intense scrutiny that has followed them for years.

Why England, and Why Now?

The timing and motivation behind this rumored project are ripe for speculation. One possible factor is Harry’s expressed desire to maintain ties to his homeland. Despite settling in California, the Duke has voiced a longing to visit the UK more frequently to reconnect with family, friends, and the organizations he supports, such as the Invictus Games. However, security concerns have been a significant barrier. Harry has been embroiled in legal battles with the UK Home Office over the level of publicly funded security he and his family receive during visits, arguing that the current case-by-case arrangements are insufficient to ensure their safety. A private estate in England could serve as a secure base, potentially easing these concerns and allowing the family to spend more time in the UK without relying on royal residences.

Another compelling angle is the couple’s connection to Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank. The Sussexes share a close bond with Eugenie, who, along with Jack, owns a property at the CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club in Melides, Portugal—where Harry and Meghan recently purchased a $4.7 million vacation home. This Portuguese retreat, dubbed the “Hamptons of Portugal,” places them among high-profile neighbors like George Clooney and Paris Hilton, and its proximity to Eugenie’s villa suggests a desire to maintain family ties across continents. A new estate in England could further strengthen these connections, providing a UK-based hub for family gatherings and a place for their children to bond with their cousins, August and Ernest Brooksbank.

The arrival of a third child could also be a driving force. While no official announcement has confirmed Meghan’s pregnancy or the expected birth of a son in 2025, the couple has been open about their love for family life. Their Montecito home, described as a “calm and healing” sanctuary, is a testament to their commitment to creating nurturing environments for Archie and Lilibet. A new estate in England might reflect a similar intention: to craft a bespoke space for their newest addition, steeped in the history and heritage of Harry’s homeland. The suburbs, with their rolling green landscapes and quiet charm, could offer an idyllic setting for raising a young royal away from the spotlight.

The Sussexes’ Real Estate Journey

To understand the significance of this rumored estate, it’s worth revisiting Harry and Meghan’s eclectic real estate history. Before their marriage, Meghan owned a home in Toronto while filming Suits, and Harry grew up in prestigious royal residences like Kensington Palace and Highgrove House. After their 2018 wedding, they lived in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace before moving to Frogmore Cottage, a 10-bedroom home renovated at a cost of £2.4 million (later repaid by the couple). They also leased a four-bedroom property in the Cotswolds’ Great Tew Estate, a countryside retreat near the exclusive Soho Farmhouse, where they enjoyed privacy and proximity to celebrity neighbors like David and Victoria Beckham.

Their move to Montecito in 2020 marked a new era. The 19,000-square-foot mansion, complete with nine bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, a pool, tennis court, and tea house, has become their primary residence and a backdrop for their Netflix projects, though Meghan opted to film her lifestyle series With Love, Meghan at a nearby rental to preserve their home’s privacy. The recent purchase of a vacation home in Portugal’s CostaTerra resort, reportedly costing $4.7 million, underscores their penchant for investing in properties that blend luxury with seclusion.

A new estate in England would fit this pattern, combining practicality with prestige. It could also serve as a strategic investment. The UK property market, particularly in affluent suburban areas, remains robust, and a custom-built estate could appreciate significantly over time. Moreover, it might signal a softening of tensions with the royal family, suggesting Harry and Meghan are seeking a way to bridge their California life with their British roots.

Challenges and Controversies

Of course, such a move would not be without challenges. The couple’s departure from royal duties and their candid revelations in interviews, documentaries, and Harry’s memoir Spare have strained relations with the royal family and polarized public opinion. A return to England, even part-time, could reignite debates about their role in the monarchy and their use of public resources. The security issue remains a sticking point, with Harry’s ongoing appeal against the Home Office’s security rulings indicating that any UK residence would require robust protection measures.

Local sentiment could also pose a hurdle. The Sussexes’ purchase of a Portuguese vacation home sparked backlash from some locals in Comporta, who lamented the privatization of public beaches for exclusive resorts. A similar reaction could occur in an English suburb if their estate is perceived as disrupting the community or inflating property prices. Additionally, the financial aspect would draw scrutiny. While Harry and Meghan have built a substantial fortune through Netflix deals, Meghan’s lifestyle brand As Ever, and inheritances from Princess Diana and the Queen Mother, questions about funding for a new estate could fuel tabloid speculation.

A Vision for the Future

Assuming the rumors are true, what might this estate look like? Given their taste for elegant yet functional spaces, the property could feature a modern country house with eco-friendly design elements, sprawling gardens, and state-of-the-art security. It might include family-friendly amenities like a play area for Archie, Lilibet, and their new sibling, as well as guest quarters for visitors like Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland. The couple’s commitment to philanthropy, through their Archewell Foundation, suggests the estate could also host community events or serve as a base for their UK-based initiatives.

The decision to build rather than buy hints at a desire for customization. Unlike Frogmore Cottage, which required extensive renovations, a new estate would be tailored to their exact specifications, reflecting their evolved lifestyle as global entrepreneurs and parents. It could also symbolize a reclaiming of their narrative in the UK, allowing them to redefine their presence on their own terms.

What’s Next for the Sussexes?

As the world awaits confirmation of this rumored estate and the arrival of a third child, one thing is clear: Harry and Meghan continue to defy expectations. Their journey—from Kensington Palace to Montecito, and now potentially back to England’s suburbs—reflects a relentless pursuit of autonomy and purpose. Whether this new estate becomes a reality or remains a tantalizing rumor, it underscores their ability to keep the world guessing.

For now, the couple remains focused on their California life, with Meghan’s As Ever brand gaining traction and Harry advocating for causes like mental health and veterans’ welfare. Yet the prospect of a UK comeback, even in a private capacity, adds a new layer to their story. Will this estate be a haven for their third child, a bridge to their royal past, or both? Only time will tell, but the buzz around this development is undeniable.