Education Secretary Lucy Powell appeared to contradict herself while discussing Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's return to the UK. Appearing on BBC Breakfast on Wednesday (20 August), the Labour MP weighed in on Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet's education, after it was reported that the children would be enrolled in British schools, starting in September.
"Well, I hope they are able to live the private life that they want to, and I'm sure that many of your viewers are pleased to see that they're coming back to this country and choosing to live here," Lucy told Charlie Stayt and Rachel Burden.
"I think it's a great endorsement, isn't it, of our education system, actually, that we do have great schools. We have a great education system here."
BBC Host Challenges Powell on State School Comment
"Don't imagine they'll be going to the local state school, do they?" asked Rachel. Quipping that they wouldn't, Lucy joked, "Well, I don't imagine they probably will."
"And, of course, they would have had to have applied for that last October, Rachel, without having an address at that point, and knowing where they were living if they were trying to get a reception place like everybody else."
After making the comment, which wasn't particularly favourable to state schools, Lucy began to backtrack. "But we still have a great education system here," she said.
Viewers React to Powell's Remarks
"And it is one of the things that actually attracts people from around the world, whether it's our universities or our school system. Clearly, they want their children to be educated here, and that's great for them."
Following Lucy's comments, viewers took to X in response. "They'll be attending the very independent schools that Lucy and co want to eliminate. She thinks this is an endorsement of a great state education system. Can she really be this thick?" wrote one.
"Our state school education on the whole is c**p whilst public independent schools are a different kettle of fish," tweeted a second. "Did she seriously say it was a great endorsement of the uk's education system? Thick as mince doesn't cover this woman. Disappointing she wasn't challenged harder by the BBC," commented a third.
Confirmation of Sussexes' Return
On Wednesday evening, it was confirmed that Meghan and Harry are planning to return to the UK as non-working royals. Currently, it is unknown where the Sussexes plan to reside, though it is understood that King Charles was made aware of their decision to relocate from the US on Sunday.
