School Change Announced
Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have moved their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to a new school just days after the start of the academic year, citing security concerns about the daily commute. A spokesperson for the couple confirmed the decision on Monday, stating that it followed discussions with the family's security team about "the practicalities of their current arrangements."
The children, aged seven and five, had started at their original school in England in September, shortly after the family relocated from California to the UK last month. The location of the family's new home and the names of the schools have not been publicly disclosed.
Security Concerns Over School Run
According to the spokesperson, the move was prompted by concerns raised by the family's security team about the distance between their home and the school, as well as heavy traffic in the area. Reports from British media, including Hello! magazine, indicated that the journey was difficult to make secure, with one incident making it hard for the family's vehicles to travel in convoy.
The spokesperson emphasized that the decision was not a reflection on the school itself. "The parents remain extremely grateful to all the teachers and staff for the love, care and effort they have shown their family," the statement said. "This decision should in no way be interpreted as a reflection on the school or the exceptional care the children have received there."
A friend of the couple told Hello! magazine that the family had "absolutely adored the school" and had wanted to make it work, but "the team couldn't make the school run operationally secure."
Security Review Underway
The school change comes amid reports that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will both receive an official risk assessment from the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), which oversees security for senior royals and public figures. The committee, part of the UK Home Office, met last week to discuss the family's case after they became full-time residents of the UK rather than visitors.
According to reports, the couple has been asked to provide details of their daily routines, including school runs and routes taken, to help evaluate any changes to the level of threat they face. This will be Meghan's first security review since she and Harry stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
Prince Harry has had a long-running legal battle with the UK government over police protection, which was withdrawn when the couple moved to the US. He lost a court challenge in February 2024 over the decision to remove his automatic security.
The couple's return to the UK was announced last month, with King Charles confirming that they will live as private citizens and remain non-working royals. Harry and Meghan have said they are currently using private security while their case is reviewed.
Reactions from Security Experts
The decision to move the children has drawn criticism from some security experts. Former Met Police Chief Superintendent Dal Babu told the Mail that the quick change of schools suggested the move to the UK was "rushed," saying "it does beggar belief why they haven't thought this through."
Dai Davies, former head of royal protection, told LBC radio that the couple could improve their security by keeping a lower profile. "If you keep a low profile, most people outside the school wouldn't know where you are," he said. "Do they really need to go in convoy with two little children on the school run?"
Dover and Deal MP Mike Tapp was quoted as saying that "nearly three weeks after their arrival, the King's son, Meghan, and their children remain without protection," raising questions about the security arrangements.
Celebrity Reactions and Public Criticism
The story has also prompted reactions from public figures. Broadcaster Piers Morgan responded to the news on social media, writing "The circus continues..". Royal biographer Robert Jobson criticized the couple, saying they had "dressed the school run up as a security story" and suggested they "buy an alarm clock" to avoid traffic.
Some members of the public also voiced criticism on social media, questioning why the security concerns were not addressed before the children were enrolled. One person on an ITV News post said, "Parents should have all these details in place before placing children in school," while another described the situation as "a circus."
The children are expected to attend another school in the area, having visited for a taster session on Monday. Prince Harry was reportedly seen settling Lilibet into the new school's reception.