If you’ve been following the royal family for the last few years, you’ve probably noticed something. The roar of the "Megxit" era has softened into a steady hum. Gone are the days of constant prime-time sit-downs and bombshell tell-alls. Now, it’s all about the "Montecito Normal." But for Meghan Markle, raising Prince Archie in the California hills hasn't been the simple, quiet retreat many expected. It’s a complex balancing act of royal titles, American schooling, and a very public security battle that just hit a major turning point this January.
Honestly, the image of Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor as a tiny baby in a white shawl feels like a lifetime ago. He’s six now. He’s losing baby teeth and, according to recent sightings, he's learning to surf at Santa Claus Beach. But behind the scenes, there is a lot more going on than just beach days.
The Security Shift That Changes Everything
For years, the biggest "will they, won't they" wasn't about a TV show—it was about a plane ticket. Specifically, whether Meghan Markle and Archie would ever step foot on UK soil again. The roadblock was always security. Prince Harry has been locked in a legal tug-of-law over his right to automatic police protection in the UK, arguing that he can't bring his family to London without it.
Well, as of mid-January 2026, the tide is turning. Reports suggest Harry is on the verge of winning that battle. This isn't just a legal win; it’s a logistical green light. For Archie, this means the possibility of finally seeing the "castles and countryside" his father grew up in.
People often forget that Archie hasn't really been to the UK since the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022. He was just a toddler then. Now, with the security question seemingly settled, 2026 is looking like the year of the British return. Harry is reportedly "quite keen" on the idea, even if Meghan is more hesitant.
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Raising a Prince in a Non-Royal World
How do you explain to a six-year-old that he’s sixth in line to a throne across the Atlantic?
Meghan has spoken candidly about this in recent interviews, including a notable cover story with Harper’s Bazaar. She doesn't use the titles "Prince" and "Princess" at the dinner table. To her, he’s just Archie. But the world sees it differently. In March 2023, the official royal website was updated to reflect his title, and since then, the family has used it in formal settings.
Life in Montecito for Meghan and Archie sounds surprisingly... normal.
- The School Run: Meghan does the school drop-offs herself, often connecting with other "stay-at-home moms and working women" in the community.
- The Hobbies: Archie has apparently developed a passion for surfing, following in Harry's footsteps.
- The Chores: Meghan recently shared that the kids are at an age where they’re "constantly learning something new," and that includes helping out in the kitchen.
There’s this misconception that they live in a total bubble. But last Thanksgiving, the couple actually brought Archie and Lilibet along for a charity event at Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles. They were baking cookies and packing meals. It was Archie’s unofficial "charity debut." No cameras, no fanfare—just a kid learning the value of service.
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The "Breadwinner" Dynamics
It's 2026, and the Sussex brand is evolving. Meghan is firmly in her "lifestyle mogul" era with her brand As Ever. From fruit spreads to candles, she’s building an empire that exists entirely outside of her royal identity.
Royal biographers have noted that while Meghan serves as the family's "breadwinner" through these ventures, Harry has leaned into being the "hands-on dad." He’s the one wrestling on the floor and teaching the kids to be "brave." It’s a dynamic that works for them, even if it ruffles feathers back in London.
The Distance Between Montecito and Windsor
Let’s be real: the rift with Prince William and Princess Kate hasn't magically healed. In fact, sources say it’s "never been deeper." While King Charles is reportedly eager to see his grandchildren, the relationship between the two brothers remains frozen.
This creates a weird reality for Archie. He’s a British Prince who barely knows his cousins. He lives in a world of palm trees and Pilates, while his cousin George is being groomed for a future crown. There is a lot of talk about Harry wanting Archie to have a "bit of British education" later on—maybe a gap year or a semester abroad—but that’s a conversation for the 2030s.
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For now, Archie’s world is Montecito. It’s "Mama Mountain" (Meghan's nickname for when the kids climb all over her) and quiet nights in front of Netflix after the kids go to bed.
Practical Insights: What This Means for the Future
If you’re looking at what’s next for Meghan and Archie, watch for these three things in the coming months:
- The Invictus Games 2027 Countdown: With events happening in the UK this summer, keep an eye out for a family appearance. If the security is sorted, this is the most likely time for Archie to make his big London return.
- The "As Ever" Expansion: Expect more glimpses into their home life through Meghan's brand. She’s learned that showing the "human" side of her motherhood helps sell the lifestyle.
- The Privacy Tightrope: They will likely continue the "faces obscured" or "back of the head" social media strategy. They want the public to know Archie is thriving, but they don't want him to be a public commodity.
At the end of the day, Meghan Markle is navigating a path that has no blueprint. She’s raising a child who is a Prince of the United Kingdom and a citizen of the United States. It’s a messy, complicated, and fascinating life. But if you listen to Meghan tell it, she’s just trying to make sure her kids know the "value of being brave" in a world that’s always watching.
To stay ahead of these developments, keep an eye on official Archewell updates and the 2026 royal travel schedules. The shift in security status is the definitive "green light" we've been waiting for, and it will likely dictate the Sussex family's movements for the next several years.