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Harry told Canadian broadcaster CTV his children are ‘happy’ in their school and it is ‘great to be back on British soil’ while competing in a charity skydive outside Toronto
Prince Harry has said his two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are “happy in school” and it is “great” to be back in Britain.
Speaking to Canadian network CTV about his return, the Duke of Sussex said: “It’s been great to be back on British soil.
“The kids are happy in school and it gives me a chance to really focus on Invictus in Birmingham.”
Harry was interviewed outside Toronto after completing a skydive to honour a promise he made to a 102-year-old Second World War veteran and raise support for military charities.
When asked why his family relocated, the duke told CTV “lots of reasons” but did not elaborate, noting that he did not want to distract from his efforts to raise money for Canadian veterans charities.
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Harry and Meghan flew back to the UK a month ago after six years living in the US.
Since then the couple have been involved in a public spat with Buckingham Palace about their status, and their children moved schools after security concerns were raised about safety of the commute.
The Sussexes stepped down as working royals in 2020 for personal and financial reasons, but rumours remain rife as to why they unexpectedly relocated to the UK from California, where they had created a life away from the institution of the monarchy.
Meghan shared family photos on social media to celebrate Harry’s birthday. Credit: Instagram / Duchess of Sussex
Speculation ranges from the couple wanting their children to develop a closer relationship with their grandfather the King, Meghan seeking a return to acting and the Sussexes wanting to increase their profile.
In the run-up to their return, Charles was said to be glad to be able to spend more time with the family but remained adamant they would not be working royals, and there was no half-in, half-out option.
Within two weeks of arriving, there was reported pushback from Harry and Meghan after a letter, authorised by the King, was circulated by the Lord Chamberlain to senior stakeholders in the government and military reiterating the couple were “private citizens” and setting out guidance on how they should be treated.
The duke and duchess were said to be “surprised” by the formal letter. The couple, who are waiting to hear whether they will be given taxpayer-funded security, were reported to prefer the term “public figures” instead.
Harry is preparing to stage his Invictus Games for military veterans, which will take place in July next year.
Last November, the duke met Edwin Marshall, a Second World War veteran, in Toronto, who had skydived for his 100th birthday to raise awareness for veteran charities.
The duke promised to return and skydive with Marshall, but due to his health the veteran could not take part.
Harry met with World War veteran Edwin Marshall last year. Credit: CTV
However, keeping to his word, Harry flew with his grandson instead, while his grandfather sat in the cockpit.
Asked by CTV whether Edwin Marshall was surprised Harry stuck to his promise, he said: “He couldn’t really refuse because he said he’d jump with me when he visited the hospital and there was a room full of people, so he couldn’t really refuse.”
Harry told the Canadian broadcaster: “A deal’s a deal”.
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