KING CHARLES III only found out Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were moving back to the UK four days before the news broke.

The 77-year-old monarch was told on Sunday that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are returning to Britain later this month for “an extended period” of time. Notably, the couple didn’t raise the plan during their July reunion with Charles at Highgrove House.

Harry, 41, and Meghan, 45, are said to have made the decision to leave California earlier this month — weeks after seeing the King. Despite the late heads-up, sources claim Charles is excited about spending more time with the Sussexes and their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, once they’re back on this side of the Atlantic.

One royal source went further, claiming Charles is “the reason” they’re moving back. Any long-term reset comes with an asterisk, though: Sussex sources have stressed this is an extended stay, not a permanent return.

The couple famously left the UK in 2020, stepping back as working royals in the departure widely dubbed “Megxit,” before relocating to a $14.5 million estate in Montecito, California. They’re expected to keep that property despite shifting base to Britain.

Last month, Charles — who is living with cancer — invited them to Highgrove in what’s been described as a first move towards reconciliation. Queen Camilla attended, and it marked the first time Charles had seen Archie and Lilibet in four years. Harry spent a full week in England, while Meghan and the children joined for part of the trip after being denied taxpayer-funded UK security.

The move also lands amid ongoing tension with Prince William. Harry remains at odds with his brother, and royal reporter Tom Sykes said the Sussexes’ return is “a huge slap in the face” for the Prince of Wales and brings fresh “challenges” as William is next in line to the throne.