Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have to thread the needle on that one now, given that they largely live in Montecito, California. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are still attending separate schools in the vicinity. At six, Prince Archie is of primary school age, while three-year-old Princess Lilibet still goes to preschool.
From Michèle Obama to Meghan Markle, there’s a long history of powerful women making school runs a priority. In spite of their high-profile status, the couple has been very protective of the details about how their children have been schooled. Despite their worries, they still value the ability and flexibility that California gives to their family life.
The couple is now raising their children in the US. They may be more likely to profoundly think about coming back to the UK over educational possibilities. Grant Harrold, the former royal butler to King Charles III, has a unique insider’s view. He thinks that Prince Harry is exceptionally keen for his children to benefit from a British education. Harrold goes so far as to predict Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet will eventually go to school or university in the UK. That’s an entirely realistic dream for their future!
While Meghan Markle takes pride in packing special lunch boxes for her children, she acknowledges the challenges of their current schooling situation. She said her anxiety grew about the media attention they would be subjected to if Archie were to go to school in the UK.
“If Archie were in school in the UK, I’d never be able to do school pickup and drop-off without it being a royal photo call with a press pen of 40 people snapping pictures.” – Meghan Markle
Markle expressed that her wish for privacy is rooted in her determination to shield her children.
“That doesn’t make me obsessed with privacy. That makes me a strong and good parent protecting my child.” – Meghan Markle
Like the earlier Byrd family in Thru, local journalist Richard Mineards observed that the family now has access to a better schooling option in California. He cited Cold Spring School as a model example of the best option available in their local catchment area, pointing out its high ratings.
“We have very good schools, which are not like England public schools but they’re state schools.” – Richard Mineards
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are living their best California life. In addition to enjoying the natural beauty of their state, they enjoy bringing up their children there.
“I very much enjoy living here and bringing up my kids here.” – Prince Harry
Meghan has indicated that she hopes Archie will move on to a junior school once he leaves preschool. The couple considers the decision on how to educate their kids a touchy subject. They thoughtfully consider the merits of both American and British school settings.
Their longtime nanny helps pick kids up from school when Meghan can’t juggle the school runs. This support system allows them to maintain a semblance of normalcy amidst their unique circumstances as members of the British royal family.
