Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly preparing for a new chapter in the United Kingdom with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, with a billionaire friend said to be providing financial assistance as the family makes arrangements for its return.
According to reports, the Sussexes have been considering a move back to Britain for roughly six months. The extended planning period suggests that their reported return is the result of a carefully considered decision rather than a sudden change in circumstances.
The family’s relocation is also expected to involve more than simply moving from one residence to another. Harry and Meghan are reportedly keeping their multimillion-dollar home in Montecito, California, while also retaining their property in Portugal.
Meanwhile, the couple are said to have spent a substantial amount on a new home in the Cotswolds. The exact location of the property has not been made public, reportedly because of concerns surrounding the family’s privacy and security.
The cost of maintaining several properties has raised questions about how the Sussexes are financing their lifestyle while establishing a new base in Britain. Harry and Meghan have previously emphasized that they are financially independent and do not depend on financial support from King Charles.
A report from Page Six has now brought another name into the discussion.
Two sources cited by the publication claim that Ian Wace, a billionaire financier and co-founder of hedge fund firm Marshall Wace LLP, has been helping fund the Sussexes’ plans to return to the UK.
Wace, 63, is a well-known figure in the financial industry. He co-founded Marshall Wace in 1997 and reportedly has a longstanding friendship with Prince Harry.
The relationship is said to extend beyond the occasional social gathering. Harry and Meghan have reportedly spent time with Wace and his family, with Archie and Lilibet also said to have visited his private property.
The claims have consequently sparked speculation about whether Wace has played a significant financial role in the Sussexes’ plans, particularly as they prepare their new residence and establish themselves once again in Britain.
However, the reported financial arrangement has not been publicly confirmed by either the Sussexes or Wace.
Page Six reportedly contacted Wace’s representative for comment, but the representative declined to respond. A representative for Harry and Meghan had also not provided a response at the time of publication.
That leaves uncertainty over the precise nature of Wace’s involvement. While sources have claimed that the billionaire has helped finance the couple’s UK plans, there is currently no public confirmation detailing whether he has directly contributed toward their new home or other relocation expenses.
For now, Harry and Meghan appear to be maintaining a transatlantic lifestyle, keeping their established properties in the United States and Portugal while reportedly preparing for a greater presence in Britain.
If the claims regarding Ian Wace prove accurate, his friendship with Prince Harry may have provided the Sussexes with important support as they undertake another major transition in their post-royal lives.
