Prince Harry and Meghan's UK return comes with a California compromise

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle plan to leave their chickens behind in California as they prepare for their move back to the UK, hinting at their intention to remain an "international couple."

While the Sussexes will bring their two dogs with them to Britain, their flock of chickens will stay at their Montecito home, cared for by household staff.

The flock includes a rescue chicken named Silkie, rehomed from their neighbour Ellen DeGeneres, a former US TV talk show host.

The couple also plans to continue visiting their property in Portugal throughout the year.

The family is set to arrive in the UK this week, ahead of their children starting school there. Sources say the length of their stay remains uncertain, spanning anywhere from several months to a few years.

“How long will they stay? I don’t know, but it will be for an extended period. Whether that’s six months, a year, two years... who knows?” a source told The Telegraph.

Reports also suggest the couple may consider living in other Commonwealth countries, such as Australia or Canada, at some point in the future.

Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, will remain in California, and the couple plans to continue visiting her and their friends there regularly.

It's expected that the family will spend school terms in the UK and use holidays to travel elsewhere.

A source close to the Sussexes has shared that "those who work closely with the couple across their patronages and causes, are glad to have them back, for however long that may end up being."