PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle are considering relocating to the US for great swathes of the year.

The troubled couple’s upcoming break from work in California is being viewed as a test for a potential future move.

4 Meghan and Harry are considering moving to the US for much of the year if they get a second house there Credit: Getty - Contributor

The Sussexes are believed to be considering a range of locations where they could set up a second base.

The Stateside house hunt comes because they have cooled on a permanent move to South Africa, which was the main location being considered previously.

But we can reveal a Stateside move has concerned staff working for The Queen, Prince Charles and senior royals who fear it could precede an official exit from the family.

A royal source revealed: “There’s an acceptance that things haven’t worked out with the Sussexes full-time in Windsor so they could have a second base in America.”

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A spokeswoman for the Sussexes did not comment on plans for a US move.

But a source close to the couple said: “The Duke and Duchess will be taking some family time towards the end of the year, once their diary commitments are done.

“We are unsure at this time but it will likely be spent between the UK and US. Any further inference on their plans is pure speculation.”

4 The Sussexes, pictured in Johannesburg, have cooled on a permanent move to South Africa Credit: Splash News

4 Harry and Meghan's potential Stateside move has concerned staff working for The Queen and Prince Charles Credit: The Mega Agency

4 Meghan Markle lived in Los Angeles while working as an actress Credit: Getty - Contributor

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at Windsor Castle to discuss gender equality amid royal tensions