Prince Harry's Effort to Instill Royal Upbringing in Children Creates 'Contradiction,' Experts Say

Prince Harry is reportedly keen for his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to connect with their British roots and royal heritage. However, this desire appears to create a contradiction for the Duke of Sussex, who has been vocal about his reasons for stepping away from royal life.

Kinsey Schofield, host of "Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered," told Fox News Digital that Harry's current aims clash with his previous statements about feeling trapped by royal duties and his father and brother's supposed entanglement. "Perhaps with time and distance, he has realized that walking away from royal duties was much easier than walking away from the history, family and identity that came with them," Schofield said. "Ultimately, Harry may finally be recognizing what has always seemed so obvious to the rest of us — being born a prince is an unbelievable privilege."

Reports indicate that Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, have returned to the U.K. for an extended stay, with their children, Archie (7) and Lilibet (5), beginning school in England. A source told People magazine that Harry "wants them to understand the world he grew up in and where their family comes from."

British royals expert Hilary Fordwich echoed this sentiment, stating, "It is totally understandable that Harry wants Archie and Lilibet to grow up appreciating their British heritage, traditions and knowing their extended family." However, Fordwich added that given Harry's past actions and statements, it is "highly unlikely the family will ever trust Harry or welcome them all back into the family fold."

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back as working royals and relocated to California over six years ago, pursuing financial independence through lucrative deals with companies like Netflix and Spotify. In his memoir "Spare" and various interviews, the couple detailed their decision to leave Britain, citing the restrictions of royal life and criticizing palace officials for perceived insensitivity.

Despite reported strains in his relationships with some family members, Harry has expressed a desire for reconciliation. However, concerns over security have previously led him to state he could not envision bringing his family back to the U.K. indefinitely. His father, King Charles III, is currently undergoing treatment for cancer.

British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard noted that Harry and Meghan reportedly wish for their children to build close relationships with their cousins and the wider British royal family. "Allegedly, this was one of the deciding factors in their U.K. return," Chard said. "It is understandable at this point why the family will keep their distance from the Sussexes. Harry and Meghan, for their children's sake, should work towards peace with the family."

While the move back to the U.K. was not an easy decision for Meghan, who reportedly enjoys their life in Montecito, California, the insider suggested there is also excitement for the children's experiences. "There's excitement about what's ahead too, especially for the kids. They're really happy for them, and for everything they'll get to experience."

Schofield pointed out that Harry likely recognizes Britain's significant role in his children's identity. "Archie and Lili are grandchildren of the king. Their grandfather is on the currency. Their uncle will be king. Their cousins are the future of the monarchy. They would be given privileges and opportunities in the U.K. that they simply wouldn't attract in the States."

However, Schofield cautioned that Harry's ambition to have his children embrace royal heritage while maintaining independence presents a fundamental challenge. "The problem is that the monarchy has never operated that way," she said. "Harry may want his children to enjoy the history, relationships and privileges that come with being part of the royal family while maintaining the independence he chose in 2020. That tension has been at the heart of this story from the very beginning."

Prince Archie was an infant when his parents left the U.K. in 2020, and Princess Lilibet was born in California in 2021. Their most recent visits to the U.K. prior to this fall's extended stay included a private family trip in July and attendance at Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee in June 2022.

While Harry reportedly spoke with King Charles by phone during his first week back in the U.K., he and his brother, Prince William, have not spoken since 2022, according to royal experts. Schofield emphasized that for the children to develop meaningful relationships with their cousins, trust between Harry and William must be rebuilt, a burden she believes lies primarily with Harry. "Any pressure on Prince William to reconcile is wildly unfair."

Chard suggested that children can play a role in bridging gaps within families. "Harry may want Archie and Lilibet to grow up connected to their British roots, but one royal expert said that goal could prove difficult unless he first makes peace with his family."

"Archie is seven now," Schofield added. "He is old enough to ask questions and understand that his family circumstances are unusual. At some point, Britain stops being a story Harry tells his children and becomes something they will want to experience and understand for themselves. Harry then has to decide whether he wants them connected simply to Britain or genuinely connected to the royal family."