Prince Harry and Meghan's UK move risks Archie and Lilibet 'overshadowing' cousin George as comparison moves to the next generation
They reportedly 'upset' Prince William with certain visits in 2026 and they're moving back at an important time for all the kids
Whenever the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are out in public there's always comparisons to the Prince and Princess of Wales - and the timing often doesn't help. A lot of their high-profile visits this year have come either just before or after a big moment for other royals like the Waleses.
Now they're reportedly moving back to the UK and have enrolled Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in a British school from September. That same month Prince George will also be starting his first term at Eton College and I can't help feeling his big moment might not get the attention it would've had if his cousins hadn't relocated.
Given how much Prince Harry and Meghan have said about wanting privacy for their family, I don't think they'll confirm which school Archie and Lili will be going to. We probably also won't see a picture like we're expecting with George, who is second in the royal line of succession and the son of working royals.
However, the speculation over their school, fascination with the move and most autumn terms starting in September could put Archie and Lilibet firmly in the spotlight with George. Comparisons and suggestions of "overshadowing" could start being focused on this generation.
These criticisms have already been directed at Harry and Meghan. Writing in Woman in June, royal correspondent Duncan Larcombe alleged, "Meghan's visit to Switzerland to highlight the dangers of social media is also understood to have upset William as it had the potential to overshadow Kate's first foreign visit since her cancer diagnosis, as both happened mid-May."
His royal source claimed William and Kate "take a great deal of care" planning their engagements and "will not want anything to overshadow the roles they play".
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Australia trip in April took place just before King Charles's US State Visit. Even their Highgrove reunion fell on the same day as the Royal Charity Polo Cup.
Eton's autumn term starts 1st September and is a big moment for the 13-year-old, as he will be living fully away from home and attending a different school to his siblings. The Prince and Princess of Wales released pictures for his first days at other schools so it makes sense there'll be a new one in a few weeks' time.
It's less certain, but Meghan could post some kind of snap of Archie and Lilibet (without showing their faces or identifiable school uniform), or one with a caption that mentions fresh starts or their first day.
According to the BBC, sources close to the Sussexes haven't denied reports that the Duchess has been offered a UK acting job.
She could potentially return to her former career, though her lifestyle brand will probably still be important to her. Archie and Lilibet have been featured on Meghan's As Ever Instagram as well as her personal one and it would be a surprise if she completely stopped including them on her social media after the move.
Even if Meghan shares nothing, though, the attention and predictions over her kids' school aren't likely to die down anytime soon.
