Will Archie Attend Eton Like Dad? Prince Harry Finally Sets the Record Straight
Earlier this week, reports emerged that the Sussexes were preparing to enroll their eldest, Prince Archie, at Eton College — the prestigious Windsor boarding school that has served as the alma mater for royal heirs. The rumors surfaced after Prince Harry reunited with King Charles recently. Much to the disappointment of royal fans, the Duke has, however, denied the claims about Archie joining Eton.
The Daily Beast had quoted ‘friends of Prince Harry’ who claimed the Duke had already registered his six-year-old son at Eton. This set off a flurry of commentary. Had it been true, it would have meant a Sussex homecoming, Archie rubbing shoulders with his cousins at Eton, and perhaps, a thaw in the ongoing royal rift. Harry mentioning that he was 'closer' to bringing his kids back to the UK recently only fueled the speculation. But given Harry’s well-documented thoughts about his time at Eton, this theory, at the very best, seemed far-fetched.
In his memoir Spare, Harry described his experience at Eton as a bruising one. The school he wrote about was “heaven for brilliant boys, it could thus only be purgatory for one very unbrilliant boy.” He also recounted how his older brother, Prince William, kept him at arm’s length during their time on campus. Harry penned, “For the last two years, [William] explained, Eton had been his sanctuary. No kid brother tagging along, pestering him with questions, pushing up on his social circle. He was forging his own life, and he wasn't willing to give that up.”
It’s, hence, hard to imagine Harry choosing to send his own child into an environment he once found so isolating. Fueling the chatter, however, was British singer Joss Stone, a longtime friend of the Duke. Stone, who recently moved back to the UK with her own young family, spoke warmly about her exchange with Harry at the WellChild Awards in London last week. She laughed in her interview with HELLO!. “He also asked about how we were settling back in and was genuinely interested in our move home. He’s just very warm and down to earth, as always. Maybe Harry will move back, too. That would be nice.”
Stone also recalled Harry’s comments about the UK’s education system. “He was saying how wonderful the schools are here and how important community is for children,” she said. “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.”
A report in the Daily Mail even claimed Harry discussed schooling plans with the King during their conversation. But Harry’s team has since issued a statement denying the claims. A spokesperson for the Duke clarified, “Prince Harry has not put his son’s name down for Eton, nor does he have any plans to do so.”