Harry And Meghan Given Parenting Advice After Archie And Lilibet’s Sudden School Move — Experts Reveal What Matters Most Now

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been given advice from parenting experts after Archie and Lilibet were moved from their new school just two days into the term, with specialists stressing that the way the children experience the change could matter more than the move itself.

Seven-year-old Archie and five-year-old Lilibet had only started at the school the previous week after the Sussex family returned to the UK at the end of August.

The decision to move them again was reportedly linked to security and logistical concerns rather than any problem with the school.

Why Harry And Meghan Made The Change

A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said the decision followed discussions with the family’s security team about the “practicalities of their current arrangements”.

Heavy traffic in the area and the distance between the school and the family’s home are thought to have placed pressure on their small, private security team. One reported incident also made it difficult for the vehicles to maintain a convoy.

The Sussexes’ spokesperson stressed that the decision should not be interpreted as criticism of the school.

“The parents remain extremely grateful to all the teachers and staff for the love, care and effort they have shown their family,” they said.

“This decision should in no way be interpreted as a reflection on the school or the exceptional care the children have received there.”

The change comes as Harry and Meghan’s publicly funded security arrangements are being reviewed following their return to Britain.

The Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, known as Ravec, is the independent government body responsible for determining taxpayer-funded police protection and security arrangements for members of the Royal Family and other high-profile public figures.

‘Starting A New School Is A Big Deal’

With the children facing another adjustment so soon after beginning the new term, parenting expert Sue Atkins said their age should be kept firmly in mind.

“I think we have to remember there are two little children in the middle of all this,” Atkins told the Express.

“Starting a new school is a big deal when you’re five or seven. You’re finding your feet, getting used to a new teacher, making friends and beginning to feel that you belong — so of course moving again after just a few days isn’t ideal.”

However, she said circumstances can sometimes force parents to change plans.

“But parenting doesn’t always go according to plan. Sometimes you make a decision with the best intentions and then realise, once you’re actually living it day to day, that it just isn’t going to work.”

If getting the children safely to and from school had genuinely become difficult, Atkins said she could understand why Harry and Meghan would make the change quickly.

The focus should now be on making the transition feel as straightforward as possible for Archie and Lilibet.

‘Don’t Make It Feel Like A Drama’

Atkins advised parents to keep explanations simple and reassuring.

“The important thing now is how it’s handled with Archie and Lilibet. Keep it calm, keep it simple and don’t make it feel like a drama,” she said.

She suggested reassuring the children that the new school would work better for the family and that they would be fine.

“Children are incredibly adaptable when the grown-ups around them are calm and confident,” Atkins added.

She also stressed that the children should not be expected to absorb the wider debate surrounding their parents.

“People will have plenty of opinions about Harry and Meghan, the traffic and the security arrangements — but Archie and Lilibet don’t need to carry any of that,” she said.

“They just need the chance to settle in, make friends and get on with being children.”

Stability Could Be Key For Archie And Lilibet

Kamini Wood, a certified life and parent coach, trauma-informed practitioner and mother of five, also highlighted the importance of consistency for young children.

“Consistency and predictability are important for children. They help create a sense of stability and security and a sudden change in the routine can bring up anxiety, confusion or worry,” she told the Express.

However, Wood noted that safety concerns can change the equation.

“When safety is a concern and parents believe an environment is not appropriate for their child and a change must be made, another message is also being sent to the kids which is, I as your parent, will and am acting in the best interest of you and your safety.”

For Wood, the crucial issue is how parents communicate the decision.

“Parents staying calm, and communicating in a regulated way, with age appropriate explanations is important,” she said, adding that children should have room to express their thoughts and concerns without judgement.

The next step, she explained, is establishing a new routine.

‘It Does Not Have To Be A Long Lasting Disruption’

Wood also cautioned against drawing conclusions about the Sussexes’ particular circumstances without knowing the full details.

“Without knowing the specifics of their situation I don’t want to speculate,” she said.

“While a sudden change is not ideal, it does not have to be a long lasting disruption.”

For Archie and Lilibet, she said the priorities are now consistency, connection and a sense of safety as they settle into their new routine.

That puts the focus firmly on what happens next. After an unusually short first experience at their new school, Harry and Meghan now face the task of helping their children feel settled again — while keeping the security concerns that prompted the decision away from the children as much as possible.