Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are reportedly considering enrolling their three-year-old daughter, Princess Lilibet, in a prestigious private school in Montecito, California. This decision aligns with their broader plans to ensure both their children receive top-tier education, consistent with their royal heritage.
According to royal author Tom Quinn, who shared insights with the Mirror U.K., Princess Lilibet is "lined up for a $60,000-a-year private school" in the affluent neighborhood where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have resided since stepping down from royal duties and relocating from the U.K. in 2020.
The search for the right educational institution for their children began as early as February 2023. Richard Mineards of the Montecito Journal reported that the royal couple was actively exploring local private schools, a process that included personal visits to several campuses in the area. This initiative was part of their broader efforts to integrate their children, including their five-year-old son Prince Archie, into the American education system.
Montecito offers a range of educational options, with school fees varying significantly. As Mineards noted, tuition can range from $6,000 to over $50,000 annually. The couple's focus on premium education was highlighted in discussions on Hello! magazine's "A Right Royal" podcast, where Mineards emphasized the quality of schools in their vicinity, including the highly regarded Cold Spring School, which boasts impressive ratings.
Despite previous speculation that Harry and Meghan might consider public schooling for their children, Quinn dismissed these rumors, stating that such a choice was "never really on the cards." He elaborated, "It made it look as if the couple were trying to be as ordinary as possible, but no one was fooled. Apart from anything else, Harry wouldn't countenance risking his children being educated in anything other than in an elite environment. Choosing an elite school is very much in the royal family tradition."
This preference for private education is deeply rooted in both Harry and Meghan's backgrounds. Prince Harry himself is an alumnus of several esteemed institutions in the U.K., including Wetherby School, Ludgrove School, and Eton College, the latter being a renowned establishment that has educated numerous U.K. prime ministers, including Prince William.
Similarly, Meghan Markle's educational journey included attendance at notable private schools in Los Angeles. She graduated from the Little Red Schoolhouse and Immaculate Heart High School, an institution known for its illustrious alumni such as Tyra Banks, Lucille Ball, Dakota Johnson, and Mary Tyler Moore.
The couple's pursuit of elite schooling for their children underscores their desire to blend their royal heritage with their new life in America. It also reflects a broader trend among high-profile individuals who seek out prestigious educational institutions to provide their children with the best possible start in life.