Harry And Meghan Face Backlash Over Archie’s School Move — Neighbours Claim They Were Left Completely In The Dark

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have returned to Britain with their two children, but the couple are now facing criticism over the way Archie’s move from his California school was reportedly handled.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived back in the UK at the end of August, six years after relocating to California. They are thought to be living in the Cotswolds, while seven-year-old Archie and five-year-old Lilibet are expected to begin at a new school in Britain this month.

Yet claims from a neighbour have raised eyebrows over just how suddenly the family’s move was made.

‘They didn’t even know they were leaving’

Interior designer Penny Bianchi, who said her grandchildren attend the same California school as Archie, claimed the school was not informed that the Sussexes were leaving until others found out.

“My grandchildren go to the same school and my son is an alumnus so I get all my gossip from there,” she told The Sun.

“I know Archie goes to the school and that they didn’t even know they were leaving until everyone else found out.”

According to Bianchi, the school had been told not to keep a place open for Archie because he would not be returning “any time soon”.

She also claimed the family had been waiting for Archie to secure a place at a school in England, saying: “He wasn’t accepted for ages, but the moment he was, they practically left the next day.”

Bianchi further claimed the Sussexes were “not popular” in California, although this was her characterisation rather than an established fact.

Security concerns reportedly behind the secrecy

Sources close to Harry and Meghan offered a different explanation, saying the couple had deliberately kept the school move private for security reasons.

They reportedly pointed out that other celebrity parents also have security arrangements and bodyguards.

The claims come as the Sussexes begin a very different chapter for their children, with Archie and Lilibet now preparing to settle into life and schooling in the UK after spending most of their young lives in California.

Neighbour ‘surprised’ by sudden departure

The family’s departure also reportedly caught people in their Montecito neighbourhood by surprise.

Former Beach Boys member Bruce Johnston, who lives near the Sussexes’ former home, said he was surprised they had left the area.

He also offered his own theory about Harry’s return to Britain, claiming he may have gone back to apologise to his brother.

“I’m sure that Harry has gone back to tell his brother he’s sorry for being a jerk,” Johnston said. “His father is not well and William is going to be King, so he needs to make amends.”

He added: “But no one really knows why they left — apart from Oprah. They were at her home all the time — I live opposite Oprah too.”

Harry and Meghan announced in January 2020 that they would step back from royal duties before relocating to the US.

Now, six years later, their return has brought a new round of scrutiny — and the controversy surrounding Archie’s school move has added another unexpected layer to their dramatic new chapter in Britain.