The Duke of Sussex reflects on an unusual boarding school ritual and the loneliness he felt during his teenage years
Harry has been opening up about his school years, sharing details that paint a more complicated picture of his privileged upbringing. While he attended some of Britain’s most exclusive schools, he admits that parts of the experience felt lonely and, at times, uncomfortable.
The Duke of Sussex began his education at Mrs Mynors Nursery School before moving on to Wetherby Prep School. At just eight years old, he was sent away to board at Ludgrove School, a major step for any child. He later joined Eton College, following the same path as his older brother.
Despite the prestige, Harry says being away from home so young was not easy. School staff tried to provide structure and support, but some routines stood out as particularly odd in hindsight. In his memoir Spare, he recalls a ritual for younger boys where matrons washed their hair several times a week after dinner. He described rows of white bathtubs, with boys lying back as staff attended to them, comparing the scene to “little Pharaohs”. Even now, he admits the memory feels strange.
Beyond the routines, Harry has spoken about deeper emotional challenges at Eton. In an interview with Anderson Cooper on 60 Minutes, he revealed that his brother Prince William asked him to act as if they did not know each other at school. Harry said the request hurt and left him feeling confused, especially after years of attending different schools.
Trying to find his place, Harry turned to sport as a way to cope. He has written about the clear social lines at Eton, where traditional team sports like rugby and football carried a different status from rowing or swimming. For him, physical activity became a refuge in an environment where fitting in did not come naturally.
Looking back, Harry’s memories of Eton mix privilege with isolation, offering a rare glimpse into how even the most elite settings can feel overwhelming for a young teenager.
