Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have dismissed speculation about their son Archie’s future schooling, following claims that the six-year-old had already been registered at Eton College.
On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex addressed the rumours directly, denying that any such plans had been made.
“The Duke has not put his son’s name down for Eton and has no plans to send his son there,” the spokesperson said in response to reports published by the Daily Beast and Daily Mail.
Eton College, one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the United Kingdom, is located near Windsor and has long-standing ties to the royal family. Both Prince Harry and his brother Prince William attended the institution.
Although Harry and Meghan rejected the current claim, they have not ruled out returning to the UK in the future. The Duke of Sussex has spoken openly about wanting his children, Archie and Lilibet, to spend time there.
“Yes, I would. This week has definitely brought that closer,” Harry told The Guardian during a recent trip to Ukraine when asked about bringing his children back to Britain.
Despite turning down the Eton reports, Harry has expressed admiration for schools in the UK. Earlier this month, while attending the WellChild Awards in London, he reunited with longtime friend Joss Stone and spoke about the role of community in children’s lives.
“He was saying how wonderful the schools are here and how important community is for children… He’s just very warm and down to earth, as always. Maybe Harry will move back, too. That would be nice,” Stone told Hello! Magazine, when recalling their conversation.
Archie is still several years away from the age when boarding school becomes a consideration. Meanwhile, his cousin Prince George, 12, is already expected to attend Eton.
The school’s location adds to the speculation, as it is near Prince William and Kate Middleton’s new residence at Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, where they plan to settle later this year.
For now, however, the Sussexes appear focused on their family life in California, while leaving the door open for future ties to the UK. With Harry’s public praise of British education, the question of where Archie will eventually study may continue to draw attention.