Prince Harry confirms Archie and Lilibet are back in school after security concerns

Prince Harry has confirmed that his children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, are back in school in the UK after the couple abruptly withdrew them from their first school just two days into the new term.

Speaking to Hello! magazine at the inaugural Invictus Spirit Gala Dinner & Awards in London on Thursday, Harry said the family’s first few weeks back in Britain had been “eventful” but insisted they were now settling into their new routine.

“The last two weeks have been… it’s been eventful,” Harry said. “But, you know, we’re getting stuck into the work. Kids are in school. We’re happy.”

He added that he was pleased to be back in Britain and was already looking ahead to the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.

“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 said.

Harry, 42, attended the London gala without Meghan Markle.

School move followed security concerns

The update comes after Archie and Lilibet were pulled from the couple’s reported $35,000-a-year prep school only two days after starting the new term.

According to Hello!, heavy traffic during the school run had placed additional pressure on Harry and Meghan’s relatively small security team.

A representative for the Sussexes said the decision was made after discussions with the family’s security team about the practicalities of their existing arrangements.

The couple had completed security checks at the school before the term began, but an insider said they had not been able to test the actual school journey beforehand.

“It’s a real shame, because they absolutely adored the school, the kids and their parents,” the source said.

The abrupt change therefore came despite the children reportedly having settled in well.

Another security issue emerged at the new school

The Sussexes later enrolled Archie and Lilibet at another school, but concerns surrounding their security did not disappear entirely.

After joining a WhatsApp group for parents, Meghan’s personal phone number was reportedly exposed when a conversation involving the Duchess and two other mothers was screenshotted by someone in the group. The screenshot was subsequently shared multiple times.

The incident came shortly after Meghan was reportedly granted her first government-backed security review.

According to The Telegraph, Harry and Meghan are expected to receive an official risk assessment, while the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, known as RAVEC, has asked the couple to provide full details of their new daily routines.

Harry says family is “happy” in Britain

At Thursday’s Invictus gala, Harry was also asked about the highlight of his return to the UK.

“Oh, I don’t know. Would I dare share it with you?” he joked.

He then spoke warmly about having his family with him as he continues his Invictus work in his home country.

“It’s great,” Harry said. “It’s wonderful to be back on British soil and really nice to see so many old faces and friends that came to this, and new faces as well, and new donors. And most of all, I guess, my Invictus family.”

“It’s been a very special journey over the last 12 years,” he added.

The inaugural Invictus Spirit Awards, held in London, brought together 340 guests, including Invictus competitors and their families. Harry said the event had been “many weeks, months and years in the making” and celebrated the stories of competitors and other heroes.

The gala also raised about $2.3 million for the Invictus organization.

“So to have a room full of 340 people and Invictus competitors from all around the world and their families, we did it,” Harry said. “We got to tell some incredible stories and celebrate some amazing heroes. So yeah, I feel really happy that everyone came out and showed their support.”

The event marked Harry’s first official public appearance in Britain since the family returned to the country on Aug. 26.

Harry turns focus to Birmingham

The following day, Harry travelled to Birmingham to launch an education programme connected to the 2027 Invictus Games.

At Ninestiles School, he played pickleball with pupils as part of the new initiative, which aims to bring themes associated with the Invictus Games into schools.

The Birmingham Games are scheduled to take place next year, and Harry has made clear that the event is one of the priorities of his return to Britain.

The Duke of Sussex first launched the Invictus Games in 2014. His latest UK appearances have placed the focus firmly on the organization and its competitors as he and his family adjust to life back in Britain.

A complicated return to the UK

Harry and Meghan returned to the UK with Archie and Lilibet six years after stepping back from their senior royal duties and relocating to Montecito, California.

Their move back has unfolded alongside renewed attention on the couple’s relationship with the Royal Family.

Harry had reunited with his father, King Charles III, during an earlier visit to Britain over the summer. Page Six reported that Harry’s decision to move back was partly motivated by a desire to be closer to his father.

However, roughly a week after the Sussexes arrived in England, Buckingham Palace clarified that Harry and Meghan remain “private citizens with commercial and charitable interests,” rather than working royals.

The couple have reportedly taken issue with that description, saying they consider themselves “public figures.”

The return has also coincided with developments surrounding the Invictus Games, including Uganda’s withdrawal from the competition. Harry was reportedly said to have linked that decision to his father’s statement about the couple’s status.

For now, however, Harry’s latest comments suggest that the Sussex family is moving forward with its new life in Britain — with Archie and Lilibet back at school and Harry turning his attention to the work ahead of the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.