Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's move back to the UK has prompted a warning letter to parents at a Cotswolds preparatory school. The correspondence addresses rumours about the attendance of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who are due to start at a British school this month.
School addresses speculation
Ahead of the start of term, a preparatory school in Oxfordshire responded to speculation that the royal children might be attending. The letter, obtained by Hello, stated that "despite the gossip" there had been "no application" for Archie and Lilibet as of September 1. The letter added that the school's admissions team was remaining "ever vigilant."
When news first broke that the Sussexes were returning to the UK, it was widely reported that Archie and Lilibet had been enrolled in a British school. Archie, seven, is entering Year 3, while Lilibet, five, is starting Year 1. The name of the school the pair will attend has not been revealed due to security concerns.
Community and expert reactions
Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield said school officials had contacted residents in the area about new rules regarding high-profile students. 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."
Grace Moody-Stuart, a spokesperson for the Good Schools Guide, previously told Hello she believed the children would attend the same school. "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," she said. She added that what is "wonderful about a country school is that" they are "not especially selective, academically, so it's not all about just, you know, who's the best in the class. Class or at maths or whatever."
Family background and concerns
Prince Harry attended Mrs Mynor's Nursery School, Wetherby School, Ludgrove School and Eton College while growing up. Meghan previously expressed concern about Archie attending a school in the UK ahead of their move. In 2022 she told The Cut she would not feel able to do the school run without it feeling like a photo opportunity for photographers. Markle said: "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."
