Earl Spencer was happy to offer Prince Harry a home on the 13,000-acre Althorp estate - but his nephew had his own plans
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have decided against moving to the Althorp estate, despite an offer from Earl Spencer. The couple is reportedly planning to settle in the Cotswolds instead.
Why it matters
The decision clarifies the couple's future living arrangements in the UK, ending speculation regarding their relationship with the Spencer family estate.
By MARK HOOKHAM, ASSISTANT EDITOR (INVESTIGATIONS)
Published: 18:31 EDT, 22 August 2026 | Updated: 06:27 EDT, 23 August 2026
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not move to the 13,000-acre estate where Harry's mother Princess Diana grew up, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
This newspaper has learned that Earl Spencer, Harry's uncle, was prepared to offer a house to the couple at Althorp, the estate in Northamptonshire that has been the Spencer family home for over 500 years .
The Sussexes, however, did not make such a request during a weekend stay with their children there last month. Instead, they are understood to have pinpointed a property in the Cotswolds as their UK home when they return here in the coming days.
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