The Dual Life: 7 Ways Prince Archie And Princess Lilibet Are Embracing A European Lifestyle In California

The unique upbringing of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet is one of the most fascinating stories in modern royal history. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the children of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are being raised in the sun-drenched privacy of Montecito, California. However, their lives are a careful, intentional balance between American freedom and their profound European heritage, a duality their parents are actively cultivating to ensure they understand their roots while forging their own path. This article delves into the most up-to-date details on how Archie, now six, and Lilibet, four, are being exposed to a "European lifestyle" despite living thousands of miles away from the UK.

The Sussexes’ primary goal has been to give their children a sense of normalcy, free from the intense public scrutiny that defined Prince Harry's childhood. Yet, their royal titles and the deep-seated British and European history of the House of Windsor mean that a full American life is simply not possible. Harry and Meghan are employing specific strategies—from language to education—to bridge the Atlantic divide and ensure their children embrace their dual heritage.

The Montecito Foundation: A Californian Childhood with Royal Roots

The lives of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are centered around their Montecito estate, a private haven in Santa Barbara County. This setting provides a stark contrast to the palaces and estates of the British Royal Family, offering a more laid-back, outdoor-focused existence.

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• Schooling and 'Normalcy': Archie is reportedly in the first grade and Lilibet is in preschool, attending a local school that prioritizes a private and "normal" experience. Meghan has previously commented on the perceived reality of UK schooling, suggesting their current choice allows for a childhood less burdened by public expectation.
• Focus on SEL: The Montecito school environment often includes a strong focus on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and rigorous academics, a pedagogical approach that, while American, is influenced by modern European educational thought, such as the principles found in Montessori schools. This emphasis on emotional intelligence is a key part of the Sussexes' parenting philosophy, shaped by Harry's own experiences.
• The 'Chosen Family' Network: While away from the core British Royal Family, Harry and Meghan have cultivated a close-knit "chosen family" of friends and neighbors in California, including high-profile figures who act as surrogate support structures for the children.

Bridging the Atlantic: The Five Pillars of Their European Lifestyle

The "European lifestyle" for Archie and Lilibet is not defined by where they live, but by the cultural and familial elements their parents deliberately weave into their daily lives. This is a conscious effort to honor their British lineage and prepare them for a future that will inevitably involve Europe.

1. Dual Citizenship and Inalienable Royal Titles

Archie and Lilibet hold a unique status as children with dual British and American citizenship. This rare distinction in modern royal history ensures they are legally and culturally connected to both nations. Their royal titles, Prince and Princess, while used privately in California, are a constant reminder of their place in the European line of succession and their connection to King Charles III and the broader Royal Family.

2. The Enduring Influence of the British Accent

One of the most charming and tangible connections to their European heritage is the influence of Prince Harry's accent. Meghan Markle has shared that while Archie and Lilibet generally speak with American accents, they mimic their father's British pronunciation for certain words, most notably "mum." This daily linguistic influence keeps a piece of British culture alive in their Montecito home, ensuring they are bilingual in the subtle nuances of English.

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3. The Pursuit of British Education

Despite their current Californian schooling, reports from late 2024 indicate that Prince Harry is "quite keen" for his children to experience British schooling. This desire to expose them to the UK's rigorous educational system is a significant nod to their European lifestyle. While Harry has reportedly dismissed the idea of them attending Eton, the preference for a British education demonstrates a commitment to their heritage that goes beyond simple visits.

4. Planned European Travel and a "Second Home"

The most concrete evidence of the Sussexes' commitment to a European way of life is the continuous talk of future travel and a potential European base. Prince Harry has expressed he is "closer" to taking Archie and Lilibet to the United Kingdom, particularly after a legal win regarding his security arrangements. Furthermore, reports have circulated that the couple is considering purchasing a home abroad, potentially in Europe, which would serve as a vital cultural touchstone and facilitate more frequent visits with the King and other UK relatives.

5. Maintaining Royal and Familial Connections

Despite the physical distance, the children’s royal connections are maintained. Their last known trip to the UK was for the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, where they met King Charles III. Since then, the King has expressed a "desperate" desire to see his grandchildren. Princess Eugenie, a close cousin of Harry’s, has also visited the family in Montecito, suggesting a continued, albeit private, connection to their European "family."

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The Future of Their Dual Heritage: Royal Visits and British Education

The coming years will be crucial in defining the cultural trajectory of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The tension between their desire for privacy and the inevitability of their royal destiny remains the central theme of their upbringing.

For Prince Harry, ensuring his children have a relationship with the UK—the place he still calls home—is paramount. The security concerns that have previously restricted their travel are being continuously addressed, making a family trip "across the pond" a real possibility in the near future.

The potential for a British education, even a temporary one, would immerse them in the traditions and history of the country they are in the line of succession to. This would provide a foundational understanding of the Commonwealth and the role their family has played in European history for centuries.

Ultimately, the "European lifestyle" for Archie and Lilibet is a carefully curated blend of their father's British past and their mother's American present. It is a life of cultural balance, where the freedom of California is tempered by the profound, historical weight of their dual heritage, ensuring they are citizens of the world who understand exactly where they come from.