Instagram
New schools, a different home, and more time spent with their doting grandad King Charles: that’s the prospect facing Prince Harry’s children Archie and Lilibet ahead of their parents’ shock relocation to the UK.
On August 19, People revealed Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, were “moving back to Britain” for an “extended period” with their children, aged seven and five.
It was reported the family had enrolled the kids in school, starting in September, and would maintain their Montecito home as well as their holiday pad in Portugal while “establishing a private, non-royal home base” in Britain.
King Charles is said to have been informed of the Sussexes’ decision mere days before the news was reported.
It’s understood he has welcomed the opportunity to see more of the Sussexes in a private capacity, but is said to have been clear that Harry and Meghan’s status as non-working royals will not change.
But life for Archie and Lilibet is about to change – considerably.
The kids have so far been afforded an idyllic sunshine-spattered life away from the spotlight – attending school near their family home in California while having their faces shielded from public scrutiny by their fiercely protective parents.
It’s perhaps not surprising then, that the location of their new British home and school remain a “closely guarded” secret.
Now insiders suggest that the young Prince and Princess are thrilled to be embarking on a new chapter – and it’s all because of the reception they received during their brief trip to the UK in July.
“Archie and Lili loved their recent time in the UK, it was a truly magical experience and they’ve been raving about it almost non-stop ever since,” a source tells Woman’s Day. “So they’re super excited about this move, which makes Harry feel extremely happy and validated that he’s making the right decision.”
Indeed, the Duke had previously lamented that he felt “great sadness” at not being able to bring his wife and kids back to the country of his birth safely.
“He would love to introduce the children to his wider family, to show them the UK, where he grew up – his homeland. That would be a natural thing for any parent,” a friend told NewsCorp.
Now, Meghan is said to be “pleased” that her children will have an extended opportunity to acquaint themselves with their royal roots, while enjoying time, face-to-face with the King as well as their uncle Charles [Earl Spencer] – the brother of their late grandmother Princess Diana.
“But what excites the kids more than anything, by all accounts, is that they’ll finally have the chance to get to know their cousins,” the insider divulged, referring to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – the children of Harry’s estranged brother Prince William and his wife Kate, Princess of Wales.
“Obviously they’ve heard so much about them and it’s been tough to be so far away and out of the loop from a family point of view,” the source continues.
“They see the way that George, Charlotte and Louis live over there and it’s literally the stuff of fairytales, so it stands to reason that they feel a little left out!
“Archie is a very bright and engaged character, he’s heard all about George’s upcoming start at Eton and apparently he loves the idea of following that path himself when he’s old enough.”
The insider says Harry feels “excited” to show the kids the places he grew up, while also reconnecting with old acquaintances along the way – many of whom have kids the same age now.
“This is such an exciting time for the whole family and the kids are on top of the world right now and counting down the days before they head off!” the source explains.
