A close pal of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry may offer a place to stay in the UK as plans for a royal comeback are unveiled

Meghan Markle has not visited the U.K. since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022, with the exception of Prince Harry’s charity visits. However, there are reports that could change soon, thanks to Meghan’s close friends, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, who have recently purchased a mansion in the Cotswolds, a region familiar to the Sussexes.

The Cotswolds, home to celebrities like the Beckhams, Kate Moss, and Idris Elba, is where Meghan and Harry previously rented a farmhouse on the Great Tew estate before they got married. The couple was known to enjoy the quiet privacy of the area, with stunning views and the freedom to entertain friends like Priyanka Chopra, the Clooneys, and Serena Williams without prying eyes. Meghan has been described as adoring the Cotswolds, and she and Harry reportedly love walking their dogs and hosting friends in the peaceful surroundings.

Despite their fondness for the area, Meghan has not returned to the U.K. due to threats against her safety, and their eviction from Frogmore Cottage—once their only secure residence in Windsor—left them without a home in the country. However, DeGeneres and de Rossi’s move to the Cotswolds could entice Meghan to visit the U.K. again, especially if they invite her to stay with them. The two couples have a long history together, with DeGeneres attending significant events in Meghan’s life and helping care for Prince Archie when he was a baby.

While speculation has arisen about the Sussexes potentially returning to royal duties, it’s unclear if they will go down that path. Some royal commentators suggest they might work on a “split” schedule, spending six months in the U.K. and six months in the U.S. to maintain their “working royal” image. However, they seem content with their current lives, focusing on their individual ventures and the Archwell Foundation.

While a royal return seems unlikely for now, Meghan’s visit to the Cotswolds could be a step back into the country, whether for charity, personal reasons, or to reconnect with friends. It remains to be seen if DeGeneres and de Rossi will extend an invite, but their move certainly adds a layer of intrigue to the Sussexes’ future in the U.K.