In terms of why they were moving now, a source close to the couple said the “stars had aligned” at this time to make the move work for their family.

They are described by the source as an international couple who love to travel – and for the next while they are going to be based in the UK.

As well as surprising the world’s media, it was also news to King Charles, who was told about the move on Sunday. He is said to be looking forward to seeing them more often.

The decision follows a visit in July by Prince Harry, Meghan and their children to see the King at his Highgrove home in Gloucestershire.

It was the first time the King had seen his grandchildren in person in more than four years, and the couple’s first visit to the UK together since 2022.

It has also been two-and-a-half years since the King was diagnosed with cancer and in Prince Harry’s BBC interview last year, he spoke of wanting to spend more time with his father.

Highgrove has the feel of a family home rather than a royal palace – and royal author Valentine Low says a key driver of their return has been the chance for Harry to rebuild links to his family and particularly to “repair his relationship with his father”.

The couple will still keep their California home and Meghan’s work in the media and her online food business, As Ever, can be carried out from a base in the UK as readily as in the US.

Next year, Prince Harry’s Invictus Games are being held in Birmingham, which would have meant extensive travelling to meetings and events in the UK.

It will also mark the 30th anniversary of the death of his mother, Princess Diana, which will bring commemorations and events in the UK.

This summer saw Prince Harry and his family staying at the Spencer family home at Althorp and returning to the UK will be a chance to be closer to his mother’s side of his family.