Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pull Archie, Lilibet from school over security concerns
LONDON, ENGLAND: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have moved their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to a new school just two days into the academic term after security concerns made their previous school commute difficult to manage.
The decision followed discussions with the couple’s security team over the practicalities of maintaining safe travel arrangements.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle face school security concerns
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved their children after heavy traffic reportedly placed strain on their small security team, Hello! Magazine reported Monday, September 14.
“The decision for the children to move school was taken following a discussion with the family’s security team about the practicalities of their current arrangements,” the representative told the outlet.
The spokesperson added that the parents remained “extremely grateful” to all the teachers and staff for the care and effort they had shown the family. The representative also clarified that the move should not be viewed as criticism of the school or the treatment Archie and Lilibet received there.
According to the report, the family lives some distance from the school, making the commute impractical and creating difficulties for security vehicles attempting to remain in a convoy.
An insider said security checks had been completed at the school before the term began, but the family had not been able to test the actual school run.
A source close to the couple described the move as disappointing, saying the children had adored the school, its staff and the other parents.
“It was perfect for them in every way and the children really enjoyed their time there,” the source said, adding that the family had wanted to make the arrangement work.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle move Archie, Lilibet to nearby school
The source further explained that the security team ultimately could not make the school run operationally secure, leaving Harry and Markle with a difficult decision.
Page Six had previously reported that the private school cost more than $35,000 annually.
Archie and Lilibet were enrolled at a nearby school on Monday. Harry was reportedly spotted with his daughter in the school reception area, while he and Meghan had already been added to parent WhatsApp groups.
The school move comes as Harry continues his legal efforts to receive taxpayer-funded security despite no longer being a working royal.
Last week, the couple were granted a security review following their move back to England last month.
They were asked to provide details of their daily routines, including school runs.
The duo, who stepped down from royal duties in 2020, are currently in the UK as “private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.”
Their return was reportedly motivated in part by a desire to be closer to King Charles III while he undergoes cancer treatment. On Sunday, Markle offered a personal glimpse into family life in England, sharing videos of her children running through the countryside.
