The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have condemned photographers for conducting surveillance near the grounds of the school attended by their children, describing their actions as a serious breach of privacy and security.
Two men were observed walking the perimeter of Archie and Lilibet's school, stopping at multiple points to look into the grounds, according to accounts from both private security and school staff. Police later identified one of the men as an international press photographer believed to work for a known European press agency. According to reporting from a national broadcaster, the two men had been conducting what an insider described as "reconnaissance" for several hours from a white van before returning to what police established was a rental vehicle.
A spokesman for Prince Harry and Meghan issued a strongly worded statement condemning the incident.
"The decision by photographers to conduct themselves in this way around a school is extraordinarily reckless,"the spokesman said.
"There is a world of difference between legitimate media activity and photographers walking the perimeter of a school, stopping to look into the grounds and monitoring children as they go about their day."
The spokesman further stated that
"whatever photographs they may have been seeking, this was not only an unacceptable intrusion into the privacy of children; it was an irresponsible and ill-considered way to conduct themselves in the vicinity of a school."
The children, reported to be seven and five years old, began attending school in the UK at the start of September. However, they changed schools after only a few days following security concerns raised about traffic patterns during the school run. The school names have not been disclosed.
Harry, Meghan, and their family returned to the UK last month after spending six years based in California. In August, it was reported that the Sussexes would be relocating to Britain, with the family thought to be establishing themselves at a private property in the Cotswolds area.
What triggered the security review?
The couple's return to the UK has prompted a formal reassessment of their security arrangements. Earlier this month, it emerged that Ravec—the committee responsible for overseeing royal and VIP security—is conducting a review of the publicly funded protection afforded to Prince Harry and Meghan following their move back to Britain. According to reporting on the security review process, Ravec's 2020 decision had previously described the couple as "akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests." Harry received a security review in July, but had not received a decision by 14 September.
The committee is now treating the couple as full-time UK residents rather than occasional visitors, a significant change in their status that affects how their protection is calculated. Ravec will assess any risks they face in their new home and evaluate the nature of trips taken by the couple and their family, including regular travel routes and school runs.
How is the security assessment being conducted?
Ravec has commissioned separate risk assessments for both Harry and Meghan as part of its formal review process. According to details of the assessment framework, the committee has reportedly asked the couple to provide their schedules and daily routines, including information about the school run, to inform its decision on what level of protection they require.
The incident at the school has underscored the security challenges the family faces as they establish themselves in the UK. Prince Harry has long expressed frustration over security matters, and the return to Britain has reignited broader questions about the level of publicly funded protection the couple should receive.
The family's relocation marks a significant shift after their six-year absence from the UK. Their surprise announcement about returning to Britain prompted widespread discussion about their future plans, with speculation ranging from charitable work to potential business ventures and entertainment projects.
Key Facts
- Two men were observed conducting surveillance near the school attended by Prince Harry and Meghan's children, with one identified as an international press photographer
- The children, aged seven and five, changed schools after only a few days due to security concerns about traffic during the school run
- Ravec is conducting a formal security review of the couple's protection arrangements now that they are full-time UK residents rather than visitors
- The committee has requested the couple provide their daily schedules and routines, including school run details, to assess their security needs
- Prince Harry received a separate security review in July but had not received a decision by mid-September
