Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Left School In Dark As They ‘Disappeared Overnight’

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly departed California so quickly that their children’s school was allegedly unaware of the family’s move to the United Kingdom. A Montecito resident claimed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex “disappeared overnight” from their sprawling California estate, leaving their neighbors surprised by the abrupt departure. The couple’s koi fish also reportedly remained at the property, although sources close to Harry and Meghan said appropriate arrangements had been made for their care.

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According to The Mirror, Harry and Meghan left their Montecito home last month after deciding to establish a new base in the United Kingdom. Interior designer Penny Bianchi, whose grandchildren reportedly attend the same school as the Sussex children, claimed the institution received little warning that the family was leaving. “The school hated their bodyguards,” she said in an interview with The Sun. “They would drop the children off with them. To be honest, nobody really liked them here very much. They aren’t popular.”

Bianchi then alleged that school officials learned about the family’s departure at approximately the same time as the public. “My grandchildren go to the same school as my son, so I get all my gossip from there. Archie goes to the school and they didn’t even know they were leaving until everyone else found out,” she claimed.

Neither Harry nor Meghan has publicly addressed Bianchi’s allegations about the school or the couple’s standing within the Montecito community. Sources close to the Sussexes reportedly attributed the secrecy surrounding their departure to security concerns. The sources also maintained that having bodyguards accompany children during school drop-offs is not unusual in California.

The Sussexes Reportedly ‘Disappeared Overnight’

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Bianchi claimed that the couple had considered moving for some time but departed almost immediately after Archie was accepted by a school in the United Kingdom. She alleged that once he secured a place, “they practically left the next day.”

Archie and Lilibet have reportedly started the new school year in the Cotswolds. Their enrollment marks a significant change for the children, who had been living in California since Harry and Meghan stepped back from their roles as working members of the Royal Family in 2020. A source close to the couple previously told PEOPLE that settling the children has been Harry and Meghan’s primary concern since the move.

The family is reportedly living in a private, non-royal residence while maintaining its Montecito property. Good Morning America separately reported that the Sussexes returned to Britain for an extended stay and that the children would attend school there.

The location of their British residence and the name of the children’s school have not been publicly confirmed.

• Despite widespread speculation connecting Meghan Markle to Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series “The Gentlemen,” she reportedly was never formally offered a role.
• Sarah Ferguson and Meghan Markle are fueling renewed royal speculation as questions swirl about how a possible alliance could affect the monarchy.
• Meghan Markle is reportedly struggling to recruit household staff as she and Prince Harry settle into their new life in the United Kingdom.
• Meghan Markle was recently spotted making a discreet visit to a countryside destination popular among celebrities.
• Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have returned to the UK years after leaving their royal roles behind and relocating to the United States in 2020.

What Happened To Prince Harry And Meghan’s Koi Fish?

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The speed of the family’s departure has also raised questions about the koi fish living at the couple’s Montecito estate. Residents reportedly expressed concern because the fish require specialized, ongoing care. However, a source close to the Sussexes said arrangements had been made for them.

Harry previously discussed the koi in his 2023 memoir, “Spare,” while recalling the couple’s experience purchasing the California property. “The koi were stressed, the estate agent warned. So are we,” he wrote. “We’ll get along famously. No, the agent explained, the koi need very particular care.”

The Sussexes have not announced plans to sell or rent their Montecito mansion. As a result, the property and its animals can continue to be maintained by staff while the family spends time in Britain. The Mirror suggested that responsibility for caring for the fish could fall to the estate’s gardener, who reportedly earns approximately £8,000 (approximately $10,827) per month.

Harry And Meghan Are Maintaining Ties To California

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Despite speculation surrounding the sudden move, reports indicate that Harry and Meghan have not permanently abandoned their American life. The couple reportedly intends to retain the Montecito residence, allowing them to divide their time between the United States and the United Kingdom. Their decision could give Archie and Lilibet an opportunity to experience both sides of their family’s heritage while allowing Meghan to maintain her American business and media interests.

The move also places Harry closer to his charitable work in Britain. His upcoming appearances reportedly include the Invictus Spirit Awards, the launch of the Invictus education program INSPIRE and the WellChild Awards.

The Couple Remain Non-Working Royals

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The family’s return has not changed Harry and Meghan’s status within the Royal Family. King Charles recently issued formal guidance confirming that the couple remains outside the group of working royals. The guidance described Harry and Meghan as private citizens whose commercial and charitable activities are conducted independently.

The Sussexes’ representative subsequently expressed surprise over how the guidance was communicated. “We were a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance,” the representative said.