Prince Harry has offered a rare update on how his and Meghan Markle’s two children are adjusting to their new life in the U.K.—weeks after the family traded California for Britain.
The Duke of Sussex, 42, revealed that Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, are settling into their new school after the family relocated across the Atlantic on Aug. 26—six years after establishing roots in Montecito in 2020 when they picked up a $14.65 million mansion.
Now, after revealing that that the past few weeks have been “eventful,” Harry has opened about how his kids are settling into their new home while speaking with CTV.
“The kids are happy in school,” he said, adding that it has been “great to be back on British soil.”
Their move across the pond became problematic when just two days in, their children had to move schools due to safety precautions.
“The decision for the children to move schools was taken following a discussion with the family’s security team about the practicalities of their current arrangements,” a spokesperson for the family told People at the time.
The insider added that getting their children adjusted “has been, and remains, their focus. Everything else will fall into place when the time is right.”
Their return to Britain doesn’t mean they have completely cut ties with California. The couple will reportedly hold on to their Montecito property while establishing a private residence in the U.K.
Harry’s latest comments suggest that the children have since settled into their new routine.
His remarks also echo comments he made during an appearance in London earlier this month, when he shared another glimpse into the family’s adjustment.
While attending the Invictus Spirit Gala Dinner and Awards at the Old Royal Naval College, Harry described the weeks following the move as “eventful,” while indicating that the family was doing well.
“My highlight so far? Oh, I don’t know. Would I dare share it with you?” he joked when asked about the highlight of his return across the pond.
“It’s been eventful, but, you know, we’re getting stuck into the work. Kids are in school. We’re happy. And, as I said, it’s great to be back on British soil, and looking forward to Birmingham next year for the Invictus Games that’s coming up,” he told Hello!
Harry’s appearance came shortly after Meghan offered a glimpse into some of the couple’s most treasured memories in honor of her husband’s 42nd birthday.
The Duchess took to Instagram to share a heartwarming montage dedicated to her husband, featuring candid moments with Harry, glimpses of Archie, and footage of the Duke skiing alongside the family’s dog, Paula.
The sentimental clip concluded with an intimate moment between the couple as they shared a kiss in a vineyard.
“He’s simply the best. Happy birthday my love,” Markle captioned the post.
The heartwarming message came after it was reported that the couple plan to make “regular” trips back to California to visit Ragland, who will remain stateside.
“Meghan plans to see her mom regularly. They’re incredibly close,” a source close to the couple told People.
Markle is said to be hoping to recreate the lavish lifestyle the couple enjoyed in California, with their potential new property mirroring their sprawling Montecito mansion in more ways than one.
The Duchess reportedly wants the U.K. residence to boast nine bedrooms—the same number found inside their California estate—as well as plenty of luxurious amenities.
And with Markle poised to make her return to acting, she is also said to be seeking a home with its own filming studio, according to the Daily Mail.
Harry, meanwhile, appears to be prioritizing privacy and space, reportedly searching for “a lot, and I mean a lot, of land, and no footpaths going across it to protect their privacy.”
While the couple hunts for their dream dwelling, the family is reportedly staying “indefinitely” in the spare room of a friend’s Cotswolds mansion.
Several sources told the outlet that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reportedly been eyeing a $16.2 million property, but no deal has been made.
According to People, the family bid farewell to the West Coast on the evening of Aug. 25, traveling to England aboard a private jet.
Before their departure, Harry and Meghan spent their final days in Montecito, surrounded by some of their closest friends, as well as Ragland, an insider told the outlet.
“They wanted to spend time with the people they’re closest to before they left and for the kids to have some special time with friends,” the source said. “It wasn’t a goodbye forever. It was much more, ‘We’ll be back, but this is what we’re doing right now.’”
The insider added that emotions ran high as the Sussexes said goodbye to the life and loved ones they were leaving behind.
“They’ve been planning this for some time, and they feel it’s the right thing for their family, but that doesn’t mean leaving was easy. Meghan really loves their life in Montecito and their home there. They know it’s going to take a little bit of time for everyone to settle in and adjust. There’s excitement about what’s ahead too, especially for the kids,” the source added.
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