Prince Harry has spoken for the first time about the family's return to Britain, saying his children are “happy in school” and that it is “great” to be back on British soil. The Duke of Sussex made the comments in an interview with Canadian network CTV after completing a skydive outside Toronto, an event held to honour a promise made to a 102-year-old Second World War veteran while raising awareness for military charities.
Harry and his wife Meghan flew back to the UK a month ago, on August 26, after six years living in the United States. Since their arrival, their children—Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five—have moved schools after issues were raised by their security team about the school run, according to reports.
Harry on Family's Return and Invictus Games
In the CTV interview, Harry said things are going “great” since the family's return. He said of Archie and Lilibet: “The kids are happy in school and it gives me a chance to really focus on Invictus in Birmingham. The games are in July next year.”
Speaking about the relocation, Harry added: “It’s been great. It’s been great to be back on British soil. It’s great to be back on terra firma, actually!” CTV said it had asked the duke what prompted the family's move, and he replied “lots of reasons” but did not elaborate, noting that he did not want to distract from his efforts to raise money for Canadian veterans charities.
Background of the Sussexes' Step Back and Return
The Sussexes stepped down as working royals in 2020 for personal and financial reasons. Rumours remain rife as to why they unexpectedly relocated to the UK from California, where they had created a life away from the institution of the monarchy. Speculation ranges from the couple wanting their children to develop a closer relationship with their grandfather the King, Meghan seeking a return to acting, and the Sussexes wanting to increase their profile.
In the run-up to their return, King Charles was said to be glad to be able to spend more time with the family but remained adamant they would not be working royals, and there was no half-in, half-out option. Within two weeks of arriving, there was reported pushback from Harry and Meghan after a letter, authorised by the King, was circulated by the Lord Chamberlain to senior stakeholders in the Government and military reiterating the couple were “private citizens” and setting out guidance on how they should be treated.
Security and Schooling Issues
The duke and duchess were said to be “surprised” by the formal letter, and the couple, who are waiting to hear whether they will be given taxpayer-funded security, were reported to prefer the term “public figures” instead. Schooling has also been an issue for the Sussexes, with Archie and Lilibet moved to a new undisclosed institution after reportedly just two days in class. The decision came after heavy traffic and the lengthy journey to the school reportedly put their security team under strain.
Harry is preparing to stage his Invictus Games for military veterans in Birmingham next July, and the family's return to Britain is expected to allow him to focus on the event. The couple's future in the UK remains uncertain as they await a decision on their security arrangements.
