Prince Harry is reportedly eager for his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to receive a British education at some stage, according to a former member of the royal household.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, has been raising Archie, 6, and Lilibet, 4, in Montecito, California, with his wife Meghan Markle since the couple stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
But Grant Harrold, King Charles’ former personal butler, claims Harry is “quite keen” for his kids to eventually study in the UK.
A Return to Royal Roots?
“It’s very likely and it’s completely possible because 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 explained. “But then it depends on how the relationship is with the rest of the family when the time comes.”
Harrold, who served King Charles (then Prince of Wales) for seven years, pointed out that while no firm plans are in place, the potential hinges on the Sussexes’ standing with the royal family.
“Time will tell, but I’d like to think that they would get a bit of education here because royals normally do some gap year somewhere,” he added. “The King famously went to Australia, so it is possible that coming to the UK could be part of that for Archie or Lilibet.”
Security Concerns May Be a Factor
Despite Harry’s interest in British schooling, relocating the children might not be easy. The Sussexes were denied taxpayer-funded security in the UK earlier this year — a likely obstacle to enrolling the children abroad.
Still, the idea of boarding school or even attending university in Britain later in life remains a possibility, especially if relations between Harry, Meghan, and the royal family improve.
Recent reports suggested that quiet discussions between representatives from both sides have taken place, raising hopes of a possible reconciliation that could reopen the door to future UK education.
William and Kate’s Children Stay Close to Tradition
Meanwhile, Prince William and Princess Catherine continue to educate their three children in Britain. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis all attend Lambrook School near their home at Adelaide Cottage in Berkshire.
Prince George, now 12, is expected to begin studying at Eton College this September — the prestigious institution that charges around $82,000 a year. Before that, he had visited two other schools in North London, including Highgate School.
Kensington Palace has not officially confirmed George’s enrollment, nor have they released any firm details about the future educational plans for Charlotte and Louis.
However, it’s been speculated that Princess Charlotte, 10, may follow in her mother’s footsteps and enroll at Marlborough College in Wiltshire — the same school where the Princess of Wales once studied before going on to St Andrews University, where she met William.
Could the Wales Children Skip University?
While university has long been the traditional path for royal heirs, Harrold suggests William and Kate might consider different options for their children — especially for George.
“I don’t think it would be [university] these days. We may find that George, Charlotte and Louis might not all go to university. They may go straight to somewhere like Sandhurst,” he said.
“In particular, George — it is seen as vital for future kings to have had some sort of military training, so you can guarantee that George, whether he likes it or not, will have to go through that military training.”
Harrold added, “Both William and Charles had military training. You’re the commanding chief of the Armed Forces, so you’ve got to know the profession. However, there might not be so much pressure when it comes to George.”
