Prince Harry Advocates UK Education for Children, Meghan Disagrees

Prince Harry’s aspiration for his children to receive an education in the United Kingdom has led to a reported disagreement with his wife, Meghan Markle. While Harry champions the benefits of British schooling, Meghan reportedly finds the concept of boarding schools to be “barbaric.” The couple, who have resided in California since 2020, are navigating differing views on their children’s educational future.

Harry’s concerns center around the potential impact on their son, Prince Archie, aged six, and daughter, Princess Lilibet, aged four, if they do not experience life in the UK. He believes that British schools, coupled with strong family ties, would provide his children with a greater sense of belonging. Notably, Harry has dismissed the idea of sending Archie to Eton College, the prestigious boarding school he attended, which costs approximately £52,749 (around $64,000) per year. A representative for Harry confirmed that Archie has not been enrolled and there are no current plans for such.

The Duke of Sussex’s own experience at Eton was mixed. He enjoyed sports but struggled with academics and revealed in his memoir, Spare, that he often felt isolated. His brother, Prince William, allegedly suggested they pretend not to know each other at school, further contributing to Harry’s sense of alienation.

Meghan’s opposition to traditional British boarding schools seems to create a cultural divide within the couple’s parenting approach. A source cited by the Daily Mail indicated that discussions about their children’s education are ongoing. Meanwhile, King Charles III is reportedly supportive of the idea of his grandchildren being educated in the UK.

During a recent visit to the UK, Harry engaged in conversation with singer Joss Stone about her family’s return from the US. He expressed admiration for British schools, highlighting the importance of community in child development. Stone noted that Harry appeared “genuinely interested” in her children’s transition to life in the UK, describing him as “warm and down to earth” during their interaction at the WellChild Awards on September 8, 2025.

Harry views British schools as safer environments, especially given the UK’s stricter gun laws compared to the US. Boarding schools like Eton typically accommodate international students, allowing for a flexible schedule that could suit the Sussexes’ transatlantic lifestyle. Despite this, Meghan’s concerns reflect a fundamental difference in educational philosophies. The American system, which emphasizes day schools and community-based learning, contrasts starkly with Britain’s tradition of seven-day boarding from a young age.

Harry has confided to friends that he worries his children are missing out on the extended family network enjoyed by their cousins in the UK. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis currently attend Lambrook School in Berkshire, which charges around £32,000 (approximately $38,800) annually. Harry maintains close ties with friends from his school days, and those relationships seem to influence his views on the benefits of a British education for his children.

Despite his advocacy for a UK education, Harry has acknowledged the challenges of returning to the UK with his family. Following a legal setback regarding police protection in the UK, he stated that it would be “impossible” to safely bring Meghan and their children back. Speaking to BBC News after the court ruling in May 2025, he remarked, “I can’t see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK at this point.” He expressed regret that his children are missing out on the experiences he cherished in the UK, but stressed that the current security situation renders a return unrealistic.