Prince Harry and Meghan Markle moved to the US with their son, Prince Archie, on a “freedom flight” to Canada. After settling in Montecito, California, they welcomed their daughter, Princess Lilibet.
Despite their young age, Archie and Lilibet have already attracted significant media attention. Lilibet recently turned three, but no Royal Family members attended her birthday. The future relationship between Archie, Lilibet, and their UK-based cousins remains uncertain, although rumors suggest King Charles wants a more active role in their lives.
Archie is preparing to start kindergarten, and Lilibet will begin preschool. Harry and Meghan have been exploring schools for their children, leading a US journalist to criticize them as “frauds.”
Harry and Meghan sought a more private life away from royal duties. Reports suggest that shortly after their wedding, they realized they didn’t want to remain in the monarchy. By the time Archie was born in 2019, they had already started distancing themselves from royal obligations.
In “The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy and the Future of the Crown,” royal expert Katie Nicholl described Harry as “almost morbidly obsessed” with keeping Archie’s birth private. Despite public interest, their desire for privacy was largely ignored.
Rebecca English of the Daily Mail noted the frustration behind the scenes. Usually, royal parents pose with their newborn for the media, but Harry and Meghan misled reporters and photographers. Prince William’s children were born at St. Mary’s Hospital, but Meghan delivered Archie at Portland Hospital due to her doctor’s affiliation and better security.
Portland Hospital’s security made capturing photos difficult. Nicholl wrote that Harry and Meghan were thrilled to have their son at Portland before the palace confirmed Meghan was in labor. Lilibet’s birth in California had no paparazzi, but the Sussexes soon brought their children into the public eye.
Two years later, they announced their children’s titles of prince and princess, sparking controversy. Royal expert Angela Levin warned of unforeseen consequences for Archie and Lilibet. Levin suggested that by giving their daughter a royal title, Harry and Meghan have “attached her to the British Royal Family.”
Only time will tell what the future holds for Archie and Lilibet. While they might become working royals, the Sussexes likely envision prestigious schools for them. Their UK relatives attended renowned institutions, but Harry and Meghan have reportedly decided against UK schools for safety reasons.
In a 2022 article for The Cut, journalist Allison Davis recounted Meghan’s concerns about Archie attending school in the UK, fearing it would become a “royal photo call.”
Harry and Meghan are exploring local private schools in Montecito. Journalist Richard Mineards revealed they inspected an expensive institution’s campus. However, their choice has drawn criticism. US journalist Lee Cohen called the couple “frauds” for considering an “outrageously expensive” school despite their advocacy for equality. Cohen accused them of maintaining “systems of privilege” they claim to oppose.
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