A preparatory school in Oxfordshire has written to parents to address speculation over whether Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet will be attending, following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's move back to the UK.
The family returned to the UK last week, and Archie, seven, is set to begin Year 3 while Lilibet, five, is commencing Year 1 at a British school this month. The identity of the school has not been disclosed for security reasons.
School letter denies application
The letter, obtained by Hello, stated that "despite the gossip" there had been "no application" for Archie and Lilibet as of September 1. It added that the school's admissions team was staying "ever vigilant."
Reports had earlier emerged that the Sussexes' relocation to the UK meant Archie and Lilibet had secured places at a British school.
Royal commentator's insight
Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield revealed that school officials had reached out to local residents regarding new school policies concerning high-profile pupils. She told Page Six: "The message sent to families essentially said that, from time to time, some families joining the school may attract a greater level of public or media interest."
A representative for Good Schools Guide, Grace Moody-Stuart, previously told Hello that she suspected the children would be enrolled in the same school. She stated: "I think they would be wise to do that because it is a big culture shock, however much, you know, their father's British, etc. I think it's a massive culture shock moving from a different country."
Previous schooling and concerns
Prince Harry was educated at Mrs Mynor's Nursery School, Wetherby School, Ludgrove School and Eton College during his childhood. Meghan had previously voiced her apprehension about Archie attending a UK school prior to their relocation.
In 2022, she told The Cut that she wouldn't feel comfortable doing the school run without it turning into a photo opportunity for paparazzi. Markle declared: "Sorry, I have a problem with that. That doesn't make me obsessed with privacy. That makes me a strong and good parent protecting my child."
