PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly plotting a return to the UK — with their children’s schooling said to be the driver, and King Charles tipped to be a big part of the pull.

Former royal butler Grant Harrold believes the King has “played a part” in the decision, saying distance has made it hard for father and son to properly repair their relationship. In his view, a UK base would allow Harry to make Charles more of a priority and give their reconciliation a real chance to stick.

The reported plan is for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to relocate from Montecito, California, in time for Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, to begin school in the UK in September. Harrold thinks Charles would be “delighted” to have the Sussexes closer to home — and points out that seeing each other only once or twice a year isn’t exactly a recipe for healing a rift.

There has already been family time on British soil. The Sussexes most recently visited Charles, 77, and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire on July 10, during Harry’s quick UK trip to promote the Invictus Games. It was also Charles’ first time seeing Archie and Lilibet in person in four years.

But even if Harry and Charles are warming up, Harrold suggests the bigger headache may be the fallout with Prince William and Princess Kate. He believes Charles could find himself stuck playing peace negotiator between his sons, especially after the claims made in Harry’s book, *Spare*, and the Netflix series *Harry & Meghan*.

Author Christopher Andersen has also suggested William and Kate may have been caught off guard by the Sussexes’ reported plans. And while the move could bring family closer, Andersen warned it may also bring a familiar storm — with Harry and Meghan potentially dominating attention inside a family already trying to “propel” the monarchy into the future. Reports also say the couple plan to keep their California home and a vacation property in Portugal.