Meghan Markle and Prince Harry hold their ground after huge decision on royal children’s future

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are said to be standing firm when it comes to moving away from California, after they made a decision over their son Archie's schooling

The relocation of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's close friend Ellen DeGeneres to the UK this month has sparked speculation about whether the Royal couple would follow suit and return to Harry's homeland. However, according to former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond, the pair are standing their ground on remaining in California and have no plans to relocate to the UK or elsewhere. This decision is reinforced by their recent choice to enrol their five year old son Archie in a Californian school, indicating that the family is now firmly settled in the US. "I don't think they have any plans to move from California," Jennie revealed to OK!.

She added: "They seem to love their life there...Sun, sea and freedom have a lot to offer. Meghan loves being close to her mother, who plays a big part in their lives. The children are settled and Harry has said he now regards the United States as home, and when he does come back to the UK he spends the shortest possible amount of time here before flying off again."

Although Ellen's move may be a disappointment for the couple, Jennie anticipates potential holidays for the friends. "I'm sure they'll miss Ellen...but maybe they will stay with her if they ever come visiting. But that's not going to happen while Harry remains in litigation over security. So...I don't foresee any move from California...except to holiday in their Portugal home," she said.

Ellen and her wife, Portia De Rossi, reportedly fled the US following Donald Trump's election triumph, much like Meghan and Harry, who are also believed to be dissatisfied with the electoral outcome. However, they aren't letting it drive them away, according to Jennie, who shared: "The Sussexes are living in a very liberal, Democratic part of the United States – and in one of the most expensive and protected areas of California. So I think they can live a life pretty cocooned from Trumpite America. They will obviously not be happy with the result of the election, but I doubt if it is enough for them to uproot their family and move elsewhere."

The couple will celebrate their fourth Christmas in the States next month. Meghan recently gave a sneak peek into their holiday spirit when chatting with Marie Claire, saying, "I love the holidays. [The children] are now three and five, so every year it gets better. At first, I think as a mom with children you're just enjoying having them there, but they're not understanding everything that's happening yet. But now we're at the age where I just can't wait to see it through their lens every year."