Prince Harry hints at UK schooling for Archie and Lilibet during Joss Stone chat

Prince Harry appeared to signal a plan to enroll Archie and Lilibet in the United Kingdom during a conversation with British singer Joss Stone at the WellChild Awards in London earlier this month. Stone said the duke asked about their move back to the U.K. and seemed genuinely curious about the family’s decision to return to Britain, describing him as warm and down to earth.

"He was saying how wonderful the schools are here and how important community is for children," Stone told People. "It was nice to share that with him because it’s exactly why we felt drawn to come back — for the kids to grow up surrounded by family, friends and a strong sense of belonging and most importantly in a safe environment." The WellChild Awards event in London provided the backdrop for the discussion, which has since fed ongoing speculation about where Archie and Lilibet might receive their schooling.

The topic of a British education for the children has circulated in coverage outside the couple’s primary residence in California. A month earlier, The New York Post reported that Harry is "quite keen" for Archie and Lilibet to follow in his footsteps by receiving a British education, noting that any enrollment in the U.K. would depend on the evolving relationship with the Windsor family. Grant Harrold, a former personal butler to King Charles, told The Post that while a U.K. enrollment isn’t set in stone, much would hinge on family dynamics and ongoing negotiations.

The discussions about schooling have unfolded amid broader speculation about the couple’s arrangements with the royal family. A source cited by outlets described ongoing negotiations between Harry and Meghan over Archie and Lilibet’s education, and observers have noted that the King appears receptive to the idea. Those reports have been paired with statements that the Sussexes are navigating the balance between private family life and public expectations, particularly in the wake of Harry’s preparation for public initiatives such as the Invictus Games.

This week’s reporting suggested that the possibility of the children attending a British school became more plausible after what some described as a round of constructive discussions with members of the royal circle. The Guardian quoted Harry as saying that progress toward a closer relationship with the Windsor clan could influence future decisions about the children’s schooling. The Sussexes have emphasized the goal of providing a stable upbringing for Archie and Lilibet, with a focus on family connections and a sense of belonging.

The Sussexes live in Montecito, California, with their two children. While the exact schooling plan remains potential rather than confirmed, supporters and critics alike have watched for indications of where Archie and Lilibet might spend their formative years. In the midst of international attention, Harry’s comments at the WellChild Awards have added a concrete data point to an ongoing discussion that has spanned British media and social media circles, drawing attention to the interplay between national identity, family life, and public roles within the royal ecosystem.

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As the chatter continues, observers say any decision will likely weigh family harmony, security considerations, and the children’s best interests. Meghan Markle has, in various public statements, indicated a preference for a stable family life that supports Archie and Lilibet’s development, while Harry has consistently framed education as a personal priority tied to values of community, resilience, and a sense of belonging. The King’s reaction to these conversations remains a factor in how any potential move or enrollment could unfold, but sources close to the royal orbit have stressed that no final plan has been publicly announced.

For now, the WellChild moment stands as a notable public glimpse into Harry’s thinking on his children’s education, captured amid a broader narrative about the future of the British monarchy, the ties between the royal family and the public, and the choices that will shape Archie and Lilibet’s upbringing in the years ahead.