Prince Harry has shared that his family’s recent move and return to the U.K. was shaped by his children’s schooling and a wish to be closer to loved ones. The plan came together quickly for him, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Speaking on a recent interview, he explained why the timing felt right and how his kids are settling in.
Prince Harry explains decision to move to UK with Meghan Markle and kids
In a recent interview with GQ, Prince Harry pointed to “opportunities for the family.” Putting his children in a British school, he said, mattered more than he had expected. His two children, aged seven and five, had spent two weeks in class and were “loving it.” He stressed that he was “not criticizing American schools.” Instead, he valued his kids experiencing two different cultures.
Harry went on to reveal that family and friends also played a part in making the decision. After six years in the U.S., the prince had managed only short trips to the U.K. Being back has meant “endless playdates” with friends’ children, which he said helps the kids settle in. He also hopes his children can enjoy some of what he did growing up, “the good rather than necessarily the bad.”
Nevertheless, he did not pretend the change was easy. “There’s no part of anything really that’s easy anymore,” he said. The move had been considered before but never long planned. When “certain stars align,” the family leans in, he explained. Planning this time was “very short.” He added that a few months outside the U.S. could let things “settle down.”
The conversation then shifted to the Sussexes’ leaving the U.K. in 2020. Asked whether things will be different this time around, Harry revealed, “I am optimistic. I’m hopeful,” he said, though he admitted he has been naive before.
Respect, Harry added, is a large part of it. “Our position is really quite clear now,” he said. The Duke of Sussex hopes everyone, including some of the British press, can leave the past behind.
