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Prince Harry says giving his children a chance to attend British schools and spending more time near family were major reasons he and Meghan Markle returned to the UK after six years in the United States.
The Duke of Sussex discussed the move in an interview with GQ's Zach Baron, filmed in September during a trip to New York City. Harry said the decision had given him a new appreciation for the experience of raising his children in Britain.
"Being able to put the kids in a British school has meant a lot to me. I didn't know how important it was to me," he said.
Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, had been attending school in Britain for two weeks at the time of the interview. Harry said they were enjoying the change and gaining a different perspective.
"Don't worry, I'm not criticizing American schools," he added. "But I think for kids at 7 and 5 to be able to have that comparison and to have two completely different cultural experiences is so important today."
The prince also spoke about wanting his children to experience the country where he grew up and to spend more time with relatives and friends. He said the family had been enjoying being close to friends and their children, making it easier for Archie and Lilibet to settle in.
Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal duties in 2020 and moved to California later that year. They returned to Britain with their children in August, having considered the possibility for some time but not planned the move far in advance.
"For us, when certain stars align, and it's clear that this should or probably will end up being the case, then we lean into that," Harry explained.
He described the decision as a combination of wanting to return home and his experiences living in the US. Being able to show his children where he grew up, he said, prompted serious consideration of the move.
Harry also addressed his difficult relationship with the British press, which has been the subject of several legal battles. He said he believed the situation had become somewhat easier as people gained a better understanding of his experiences, although he hoped media behavior would continue to change.
"I am optimistic. I'm hopeful," he said, adding that mutual respect would be important to moving forward.
