Prince Harry and Meghan Markle won’t ‘hijack’ Prince George’s historic Eton debut, royal expert says
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to steer clear of releasing photos, making comments or generating other news that could overshadow Prince George’s highly anticipated first day at Eton College, according to a royal expert.
"The Sussexes have assured the King that they will not hijack or derail major royal events, notably the first day of school term for Prince George at Eton," royal broadcaster Neil Sean told Fox News Digital. "By that, no pictures or comment from either one on that day in September."
A representative for Archewell told Fox News Digital: "This is not something we would comment on." Kensington Palace did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
The reported understanding comes as the Prince and Princess of Wales prepare for a major family milestone. Kensington Palace confirmed in June that George, 13, will attend Eton beginning this September, following in the footsteps of both his father, Prince William, and his uncle, Harry.
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Royal commentator Amanda Matta told Fox News Digital that George’s arrival at the prestigious boarding school carries significance beyond a typical first day.
"Prince George’s start at Eton isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s the beginning of his public-facing path as heir to the throne," Matta said. "The Palace is incredibly protective of that narrative, and any competing headline — especially one involving Harry and Meghan — threatens to distract from the ‘steady, future-focused’ brand the Prince and Princess of Wales have worked so hard to build."
She added that, while the matter may not weigh heavily on Prince William and Kate Middleton personally, it could be important to palace staff working to keep the focus on the future king.
"It would certainly be a shame for his first days at Eton to see him embroiled in a ‘feud’ narrative with his uncle and aunt," Matta said.
In a statement shared with The New York Times last week, a spokesperson for the Sussexes said, "On the heels of a wonderful trip with family and friends this summer, Harry and Meghan have decided to spend an extended period in the U.K. this autumn. They are excited to have their children spend more time in the country that’s such an important part of their family’s story."
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The spokesperson confirmed that the couple’s businesses will remain unchanged and based in the U.S. Meghan and Harry will also keep their home in California.
Matta said the reported agreement may reflect an informal attempt to avoid competing headlines during significant occasions, though the couple's public profile makes a complete break from the royal news cycle unlikely.
"The Sussexes generate headlines simply by existing in public space," she said. "That’s been true since 2018 and hasn’t changed with their location or job titles."
"If they also want to avoid collisions, it would require a level of coordination with the Palace that seems very unlikely given the current climate," she said. "Harry and Meghan have not conferred with the Palace about their personal or professional plans for several years now."
The more realistic outcome, Matta said, may be "an informal understanding of when to lay low, and when an overlap could be workable."
While palace aides may be concerned about maintaining the royals' carefully planned media strategy, Matta cautioned that not every competing headline is the Sussexes’ doing.
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"Palace aides know better than anyone how quickly a delicate PR plan and media cycle can be dominated by a competing story," she said. "It’s not necessarily even about the Sussexes’ actions, but it’s completely up to the editors running headlines."
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She added, "Meghan stepping outside will generate headlines even if it’s just to buy groceries or ice cream with the kids."
British broadcaster Hilary Fordwich echoed that concern, telling Fox News Digital that even the absence of a Sussex appearance can fuel coverage and public speculation.
"Just their mere presence or lack thereof will now be making headlines and, indeed, likely to clash with royal priorities and media focus on causes," she said.
Fordwich said George’s first term at Eton should remain "private" and serve as "a life transition for both him and the family," who live nearby in Windsor.
Matta said the reported restraint could represent a tentative attempt at a "headline truce," but she questioned whether the pressure to plan their lives around the royal calendar should fall entirely on Harry and Meghan.
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"The U.K. tabloid press will manufacture that narrative regardless of what the Sussexes do," she said. "What they can control is their own family and their own goals."
Sean noted that the alleged agreement will face its first major test when George begins school next month.
"We can only assume that they will stick to their word," he said. "But this will be an interesting development."