Archie and Lilibet ‘happy in school’, Harry says

Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are “happy in school” and it is “great” to be back in Britain, the Duke of Sussex has said.

Since Harry and Meghan flew back to the UK a month ago after six years living in the US, they have been involved in a public spat with Buckingham Palace about their status, and their children have moved schools after issues were raised by their security team about the school run.

Harry, who is preparing to stage his Invictus Games for military veterans, was speaking to Canadian network CTV after completing a skydive outside Toronto to honour a promise made to a 102-year-old Second World War veteran while raising awareness and support for military charities.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Jonathan Brady/PA)

PA Wire

Harry told the broadcaster things are going “great” after the family returned to Britain on August 26.

He said of Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five: “The kids are happy in school and it gives me a chance to really focus on Invictus in Birmingham.

“The games are in July next year.”

Of his return, Harry added: “It’s been great. It’s been great to be back on British soil.

“It’s great to be back on terra firma, actually!”

CTV said it had asked the duke what prompted the family’s relocation and he replied “lots of reasons” but did not elaborate, noting that he did not want to distract from his efforts to raise money for Canadian veterans charities.

The Sussexes stepped down as working royals in 2020 for personal and financial reasons, but rumours remain rife as to why they unexpectedly relocated to the UK from California, where they had created a life away from the institution of the monarchy.

Speculation ranges from the couple wanting their children to develop a closer relationship with their grandfather the King, Meghan seeking a return to acting and the Sussexes wanting to increase their profile.

In the run-up to their return, Charles was said to be glad to be able to spend more time with the family but remained adamant they would not be working royals, and there was no half-in, half-out option.

Within two weeks of arriving, there was reported pushback from Harry and Meghan after a letter, authorised by the King, was circulated by the Lord Chamberlain to senior stakeholders in the Government and military reiterating the couple were “private citizens” and setting out guidance on how they should be treated.

The duke and duchess were said to be “surprised” by the formal letter and the couple, who are waiting to hear whether they will be given taxpayer-funded security, were reported to prefer the term “public figures” instead.

Schooling has also been an issue for the Sussexes, with Archie and Lilibet moved to a new undisclosed institution after reportedly just two days in class.

The decision came after heavy traffic and the lengthy journey to the school reportedly put their security team under strain.