There's a "Significant" Reason Why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are Moving to the U.K. That No One Saw Coming

The Duchess of Sussex is starting a new chapter.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wearing sunglasses walking outside
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s upcoming move to the U.K. sent shockwaves around the world when it was announced earlier this week, with many wondering about the motivations behind the family leaving California. But a surprising new twist in the situation emerged on August 21 when multiple outlets reported that the Duchess of Sussex has been offered a new acting role in Britain.

Bronte Coy of News.com.au broke the story on Friday, telling BBC Radio 4’s “Today” Show that the Duchess of Sussex will be returning to acting while the family temporarily lives in England. “I’m told it’s significant, and she’s very excited about it,” Coy said.

Representatives for the Duchess of Sussex declined to comment on Meghan’s potential acting role when Marie Claire reached out for clarification, but did not deny the report.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in a tux and gown on a red carpet

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, pictured on August 7, will be returning to Britain for an extended period.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

meghan markle suits

Meghan Markle stars in Suits.

(Image credit: USA Network)

The Telegraph reported that Meghan is “poised to accept” the unknown job, adding, “It is understood the offer of the role, which was only made recently, formed part of the decision-making process in the family relocating to the U.K. but was not the sole reason.”

Meghan starred as Rachel Zane in the legal drama Suits before marrying Prince Harry in 2018, and she stepped away from TV once she became a senior working royal. However, she dipped her toe back into acting last fall when she filmed a cameo role as herself in the upcoming movie Close Personal Friends.

On August 19, multiple outlets confirmed that the couple will be leaving their Montecito, California home to set up a non-royal residence somewhere in Britain for an “extended period.” Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, have been enrolled in a U.K. school and King Charles was made aware of their plans just three days before the news broke.

Kristin Contino
Senior Royal and Celebrity Editor

Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.

Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central. Kristin has provided expert commentary for outlets including the BBC, Sky News, US Weekly, the Today Show and many others.

Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.” She's passionate about travel, history, horses, and learning everything she can about her favorite city in the world, London.