Prince Harry has spoken publicly for the first time since his family’s turbulent return to the United Kingdom.
Harry, 42, addressed reporters at the Invictus Spirit Gala Dinner & Awards in London on Thursday, confirming that Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, are now enrolled in school following an abrupt change of plans. “We’re getting stuck into the work. Kids are in school. We’re happy,” he told Hello! Magazine at the event.
The Duke of Sussex attended the gala without wife Meghan Markle, 45, and used the occasion to mark what he called an “eventful” fortnight since the family’s Aug. 26 relocation from Montecito, California. “And as I said, it’s great to be back on British soil, and looking forward to Birmingham next year for the Invictus Games that’s coming up,” he added.
The children’s schooling disruption emerged as a flashpoint in the family’s resettlement. The Sussexes had initially enrolled Archie and Lilibet in a $35,000-a-year prep school, but pulled them after just two days when heavy traffic to and from the campus strained their small security team, according to Hello! Magazine. “The decision for the children to move school was taken following a discussion with the family’s security team about the practicalities of their current arrangements,” a representative for the couple told the outlet.
An insider told Hello! That Harry and Markle had completed security checks at the original school before the term began but were unable to test the actual school run. “It’s a real shame, because they absolutely adored the school, the kids and their parents,” the source said.
The family then placed Archie and Lilibet in a new school, only to encounter fresh complications. Markle’s personal phone number was leaked after she joined a WhatsApp group for parents, according to reports. Following an exchange between Markle and two mothers in the chat, another member screenshotted the conversation — which included her number — and shared it repeatedly.
The security challenges coincide with a broader reassessment of the couple’s protection. Markle received her first government-backed security review, and both she and Harry will undergo an official risk assessment soon. The Royal and VIP Executive Committee, known as RAVEC, has requested full details of their new daily routines.
At the gala, Harry deflected when asked by Hello! About any highlight since returning. “Oh, I don’t know. Would I dare share it with you?” he replied.
He was more forthcoming about the significance of having his family present for his Invictus work in Britain. “It’s great,” he told the outlet. “It’s wonderful to be back on British soil and really nice to see so many old faces and friends that came to this, and new faces as well, and new donors. And most of all, I guess, my Invictus family.”
Harry, who founded the Invictus Games in 2014, emphasized the milestone. “It’s been a very special journey over the last 12 years,” he continued. “So, yeah, all families.”
The gala raised more than €1.7 million ($1.95 million) for the Invictus organization, and Harry noted the extensive preparation behind it. “It’s been many weeks, months and years in the making,” he shared. “So to have a room full of 340 people and Invictus competitors from all around the world and their families, we did it. We got to tell some incredible stories and celebrate some amazing heroes. So yeah, I feel really happy that everyone came out and showed their support.”
He offered a simpler assessment to People at the same event: “It’s good to be back on British soil.”
The Sussexes’ return to Britain after six years in California has unfolded against a backdrop of royal tension. Charles, 76, who is being treated for cancer, released a statement approximately one week after their arrival clarifying that Harry and Markle are “private citizens with commercial and charitable interests” rather than working royals. The couple reportedly objected to the characterization, considering themselves “public figures.” Shortly thereafter, Uganda withdrew from the Invictus Games in what was described as “support” of the king — a move Harry allegedly attributed to his father’s announcement.
Harry was spotted arriving at the gala in a black tuxedo and bow tie, his military medals displayed, alongside two former Invictus competitors.
The Invictus Games are scheduled for Birmingham next year.