Prince Harry Keen for Archie and Lilibet to Experience British Education, Says Former Royal Butler

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Prince Harry is reportedly eager for his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to spend part of their educational journey in the United Kingdom, sparking renewed interest in the young royals’ future. While the DU.K.e and Duchess of Sussex currently raise their children in California, insiders suggest that returning to Britain for school remains a strong possibility.

Grant Harrold, former royal butler to King Charles III, recently shared his thoughts in an interview with educational platform Study Dog. He believes it’s “very likely and completely possible” that Archie and Lilibet could receive a British education later in life, particularly at university level or even through a traditional royal gap year. “If they have their younger education in America, I’m sure their father will be quite keen to have a bit of a British education,” Harrold said. Still, he acknowledged that this may depend on how relations with the Royal Family develop.

Although Harry has often spoken positively about life in the United States, where he feels his children have more freedom, the pull of tradition and British schooling seems to remain strong. This sentiment aligns with the way many royal children have been raised, blending modern parenting with the customs of the Crown.

School Choices

The Sussex children are receiving their early education in Montecito, California. Local commentator and HELLO! Contributor Richard Mineards previously revealed that Archie and Lilibet are in the catchment area for Cold Spring School, a prominent state school. He also mentioned Montecito Union School as another top local option, known for its celebrity connections and strong academic reputation.

Interestingly, Meghan Markle shared on The Jamie Kern Lima Show that Archie and Lilibet currently attend different schools, likely due to their age difference. Archie, now six, is of primary school age, while three-year-old Lilibet remains in preschool. Meghan admitted that mornings can be hectic as she zigzags between drop-offs, calling the routine “incredibly overwhelming.” Still, she finds joy in small moments like packing their lunchboxes and leaving personalised notes inside.

The Duchess has long been open about her concerns with raising children under the intense spotlight of British media. In an interview with The Cut, she questioned what life would be like if Archie were enrolled in school in the U.K., noting that pick-up and drop-off would likely become public spectacles. “That doesn’t make me obsessed with privacy,” she said. “That makes me a strong and good parent protecting my child.”

When Meghan isn’t able to manage the morning rush, the couple’s trusted nanny, who has been with them since 2020, steps in to help, although the family has kept her identity private.

Looking ahead, Grant Harrold believes there is every chance the children may return to the U.K. for further education, especially at university level or as part of a coming-of-age experience. “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 U.K. could be part of that for Archie or Lilibet.”

Their lives may be far removed from royal tradition in many ways, but a British education could provide a link to their heritage that both Harry and the public may welcome.