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Fresh tensions could be emerging between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, should rumours about him exploring British schools for their children prove accurate. Speculation that the Duke of Sussex is considering enrolling Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet at UK institutions surfaced after singer Joss Stone revealed details of a recent conversation she'd had with the Royal, reports the Mirror . The performer, who relocated back to Britain this year following more than a decade in America, disclosed that Harry appeared "genuinely interested in our move home," and discussed "how wonderful the schools are here and how important community is for children." Claims subsequently emerged that Harry was investigating Eton College for six year old Archie, partly due to the "high profile and politically exposed kids there," and Britain's far tighter firearms regulations. Team Sussex delivered a sharp rebuttal to the speculation, declaring: " Prince Harry has not put his son's name down for Eton, nor does he have any plans to do so." Despite the rejection, considerable discussion continues about whether he might be considering one of Britain's numerous other prestigious institutions renowned for their Royal and aristocratic former pupils. However, with Meghan allegedly viewing boarding schools as "barbaric" and displaying no indication of wanting to relocate to the UK even temporarily, Royal commentator Lydia Alto believes the education question could become both a source of conflict for the couple and a "fault line" splitting public sentiment about them. "It could very possibly become a major source of tension in the future," she says. "Meghan has consistently presented herself as the decision-maker in their family, and if she labels boarding schools unacceptable, Harry will almost certainly back down. "It's hard to imagine him fighting for a British education if Meghan thinks it's cruel, however much he'd like the children to follow in his own footsteps. For some, especially military families or royals with demanding duties, boarding schools offer a sense of stability, independence, and opportunity that day schools can't match." The matter would likely be settled, she adds, by Meghan "calling the final shots. "Harry's past willingness to trade his military roles, his family ties, and even his reputation in the UK for Meghan's comfort suggests that when it comes to their children, he won't fight. "If Meghan were to block an attempt to educate them over here, it would be another bridge quietly burned, and another factor contributing to Archie and Lilibet growing up more isolated from their British family." Harry initially attended London's private Wetherby School, before departing to board at Ludgrove School aged eight, following the same path as William had taken a couple of years before. At 13, he transferred once more to Eton College, though based on his subsequent accounts of his experience there, he endured a thoroughly miserable time. In his explosive memoir Spare, Harry portrayed his time at the Berkshire institution as a "profound shock", explaining that whilst it was "heaven for brilliant boys, it could thus only be purgatory for one very unbrilliant boy." In 2023 he also disclosed that elder sibling William offered no assistance when it came to finding his feet. According to Harry, William actually instructed the newcomer to act as though they were strangers. "At the time it hurt," the Duke confided to TV presenter Anderson Cooper."I couldn't make sense of it." Royal expert Lydia believes that beyond any potential academic advantages, enrolling Archie and Lilibet at a British institution would significantly assist Harry in maintaining his family's connection to the UK. He's also been open about his wish for his children to "feel at home" in the UK, and stated following his recent trip here – which featured a widely discussed cup of tea with his father, King Charles – that he has always and will always "love" his homeland. Lydia explained to us, "You can see why Harry might want his children educated in the UK. Schooling here, particularly at the elite level, is not just about academics but about heritage, tradition, and maintaining lifelong links. Join the Daily Record's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. "For a prince who insists he hasn't turned his back on his country, sending his children to a British school could be a way of ensuring they aren't entirely cut off from his side of the family. It would also reinforce the idea that, whatever his gripes, he still values his British roots." Harry's recent trip to the UK, officially for the annual WellChild Awards but also marking his first in-person meeting with his father in 19 months, has sparked speculation about his future plans. Following the visit, Harry commented: "It's been good to reconnect with the causes I am passionate about... It is hard to do it from far away," potentially suggesting he might visit more often. However, it remains uncertain whether his children, Archie and Lilibet, will influence this decision. Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
