How Would Moving to the UK Affect Archie and Lilibet's Future?

The Future of Archie and Lilibet’s Education: A Blend of British Tradition and American Life

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have chosen to raise their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in the picturesque setting of Montecito, California. While the family enjoys the relaxed lifestyle and natural beauty of their new home, whispers are circulating about the possibility that the young royals may one day return to the UK for part of their education.

According to Grant Harrold, a former royal butler who worked for King Charles III, there is a strong likelihood that Archie and Lilibet could one day experience British schooling. In an interview with Study Dog, Harrold shared his insights into how the couple might balance royal traditions with their American way of life.

A Possible Return to the UK for Education

Harrold expressed that it's "very likely and completely possible" for Archie and Lilibet to attend school or university in the UK. He noted that if the children receive their early education in America, their father would be keen on providing them with a British educational experience. However, he also emphasized that this would depend on the family dynamics when the time comes.

The topic of education has always been a sensitive issue for Harry and Meghan. The Duchess has openly discussed her concerns regarding the intense media attention that would accompany sending their children to UK schools. In a previous interview with The Cut, she described the challenges of raising children in the public eye, particularly during school drop-offs and pick-ups.

Meghan explained that if Archie were in a UK school, she would face constant media scrutiny. "I have a problem with that," she said. "That doesn’t make me obsessed with privacy. That makes me a strong and good parent protecting my child."

Embracing Life in California

Harry has also spoken about the benefits of raising his children in the United States. During an appearance on Good Morning America, he shared that he enjoys the freedom California offers. He mentioned that Archie and Lilibet can do things in the US that they wouldn't be able to in the UK.

For now, the couple remains cautious about sharing details about their children's schooling. However, local insiders have provided some insight into the educational options available in Montecito. Richard Mineards, a contributor to HELLO!, mentioned that the area has high-quality state schools, including Cold Spring School and Montecito Union School, which serve as top choices for families in the region.

A Relatable Parenting Experience

In a recent interview on The Jamie Kern Lima Show, Meghan offered a rare glimpse into her daily life as a mother of two. She revealed that Archie and Lilibet currently attend different schools, which means her mornings involve shuttling between drop-offs. "It can be incredibly overwhelming," she admitted. "Sometimes I just need a break."

While the reason for their separate enrollments isn't clear, it's likely due to their age difference. Archie, now six, is of primary school age, while Lilibet is still in preschool. Many expect that Lilibet will soon join her brother at the same school.

When Meghan is unable to manage the school run, the family's long-time nanny steps in. Although her identity remains private, it's known that she has been with the family since 2020, when they moved to California.

A Personal Touch in Daily Life

Meghan takes pride in packing her children’s lunch boxes with a personal touch. "I love doing lunch boxes," she confessed. "It makes me very happy, and I always write a little note in their lunch boxes."

Despite their royal titles, Archie and Lilibet lead a relatively normal life in Montecito. Their days are filled with school, playdates, and family time, far removed from the strict protocols of palace life.

The Possibility of a UK Education

While it's unclear what the future holds for Archie and Lilibet, the idea of a British education remains a possibility, especially for university. Harrold believes that a UK return could align with traditional royal coming-of-age experiences. "Time will tell," he said. "But I’d like to think that they would get a bit of education here, because royals normally do some gap year somewhere. The King famously went to Australia, so it is possible that coming to the UK could be part of that for Archie or Lilibet."