Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet Begin U.K. Schooling as Harry and Meghan Balance Family and Work in Britain

Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, have officially embarked on a major personal milestone by commencing their formal education in the United Kingdom following their family’s relocation across the Atlantic. The transition marks the very first time either of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children has attended school on British soil, turning a fresh domestic page for the Sussex household. To ensure the young royals enjoy an unhindered and protected upbringing, all logistical specifics surrounding their academic institution and private residence remain strictly undisclosed.

A source close to the Duke and Duchess confirmed to PEOPLE that easing the children into their new environment remains Harry and Meghan’s foremost priority, noting that outside commitments will simply follow once the family feels settled. Uprooting life halfway across the globe naturally brought an intensely busy schedule, yet the couple remains genuinely delighted to be back in the Duke’s home country. While establishing an extended domestic base in Britain, the family continues to retain their residence in Montecito, California, allowing the children to stay rooted in both cultural worlds.

The educational milestone closely coincided with a historic rite of passage within the royal family, as their elder cousin Prince George, 13, formally arrived for his first term at the prestigious Eton College on September 8. The move to the renowned boarding school marks the first time George has lived away from home for his education, while Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8, continue their studies at Lambrook School. This shared seasonal back-to-school moment underscores an evolving educational landscape for the youngest generation of the British royal family.

The transatlantic relocation follows an emotional reunion earlier this summer, when the family returned to Britain for a private visit where King Charles met his grandchildren for the first time in four years. With Archie and Lilibet now settled into their classrooms, Prince Harry has already resumed public engagements, making a professional appearance at London’s Tower Bridge Studios on September 7. Meanwhile, Meghan expressed sincere gratitude for being able to grant the children dual perspectives, maintaining thoughtful personal touches like tucking encouraging surprises into their backpacks to help smooth the transition.