Nobody goes there anymore; it’s too crowded? 
I find this quite unexpected given all his controversies with the British media.
It sounds like they want their kids to get a British education at what we would call a private school in the US (I recall that the terminology is different there)
It could also be that Charles’ cancer is progressing and that Harry a) wants to reconnect with the family, and/or b) wants his kids to get to know their grandpa while they still can. Actually, b) makes sense even without the cancer. Charles is 77 (like me–I’m one day older than he is), and time is running out.
The whole drama of giving up their titles and moving here struck me as impulsive, immature, grandiose, and just stupid.
Also, I’m not sure how Harry and Meghan could afford their lifestyle; they seem to live like multi-millionaires without the income really necessary for that. Moving back to the UK, doing the public appearances and taking the money offered might be a better choice.
They’re worth 60 million. That was noted in one of the links upthread. Harry’s book, Spare, was massively successful, and they’ve entered into an agreement with Netflix for the rights to their story for another sizeable chunk of change.
They can afford to “live like multi-millionaires” with no additional help from UK public appearances.
They live in a fancy house in Mendocino and presumably need expensive security guards. My sense is whatever money they have, it’s not enough.
What we call a “private school” in America is called a “public school” in the UK, whereas what we call a “public school” is a “state school” there.
It significantly changes the meaning of Elton John’s All the Girls Love Alice;
Raised to be a lady by the golden rule
Alice was the spawn of a public school
One reason mignt be that Buckingham palace has a long running problem with mice infestations.
Yep, also old plumbing and electrical, poor heating and huge security issues, not to mention the millions of tourists and continuing renovation work.
Also, who really wants to live over the shop? Buckingham Palace is the head office, not very homely.
Sort of. While ‘public school’ in England and Wales[1] does mean a school that’s not state funded, not all private schools are ‘public schools’.
It’s a slightly fuzzy definition, but the term refers to a supposedly ‘elite’ subset of old, sometimes very old schools which were broadly founded on the concept of being open to all (or all boys), rather than entry being restricted by parental profession or residence, as most half-decent schools were a few hundred years back. Although they charge fees (which can be eye wateringly high nowadays), they often had free places for some students who couldn’t afford them- they still do have some scholarship students- and were at least in theory operating ‘for the public good’ rather than purely for profit.
in Scotland it can mean a state funded school ↩︎
Much as a “public house” is open to all (as opposed to a private club) but still charges for beer.
The non-royal couple are back in the headlines again especially in the UK. I don’t think this is the primary reason for moving back, but the renewed interest in them certainly won’t hurt book sales and other appearances, etc, that might boost income. I mean how long can you expect them to live on a nest egg of $60 million? The stuff goes through your fingers like water, amirite?
See: all too many professional athletes, who sign massive contracts, and wind up broke a few years later.
They have an estate in Montecito not too far from where I am sitting now. Property taxes are around $150k/year and probably another $500k/year in insurance, security and maintenance. They paid around $15M for it and there may be a mortgage which could be another few hundred thou a year. That’s just housing costs. Without much income, the nest egg could go fast. Not that I feel sorry for them.
The estate has nominally doubled in value and would probably sell for significantly more given its provenance.
It seems to me that for them to opt for making public appearances when back in the UK would greatly increase the need for additional security.
Since much of the ugly hubbub was due to bigotry over Meghan being of mixed race, not going back into The Franchise or making public appearances – which appears to be their choice – is the less costly way to go.
With their inherent fame, I doubt making money will ever be one of their big concerns.
I hope it provides the opportunity for King Charles to enjoy his grandchildren more readily while he can.
Except in that case the security would be government-provided. And I think they Royal Family needs more people doing the public stuff.
I don’t think Harry feels that serving the royal family is as important as the safety and well being of his wife and children. I won’t criticize him for making that choice.
I’m not sure how much they’d receive if they continue to live a life as private citizens, rather than resuming royal duties.