Prince Harry and Meghan have withdrawn their children from a British prep school after just two days, following concerns from their security team about the practicalities of the daily journey.
Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, had only recently started at the school after moving to Britain with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
A spokesperson for the couple said the decision followed “a discussion with the family’s security team about the practicalities of their current arrangements”.
“The parents remain extremely grateful to all the teachers and staff for the love, care and effort they have shown their family,” the spokesperson added. “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 said the children had enjoyed their time at the school, but that Harry and Meghan had been told the school run could not be made operationally secure.
Archie and Lilibet are expected to attend another school in the area after visiting for a taster session. Harry was reportedly seen settling Lilibet into reception, while the couple were said to have been added to parents’ WhatsApp groups.
Review of Harry’s security arrangements
The school move comes as the arrangements for police protection for Harry and Meghan in Britain are being reviewed.
The Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, known as Ravec, is understood to have informed Harry that a full review of the risks facing him and his wife will take place.
The review follows the couple’s decision to relocate their family to Britain. A previous risk assessment was completed in July, before officials were aware of their plans to move.
Harry has spent years challenging the Home Office’s decision to remove his automatic entitlement to taxpayer-funded police protection after he stepped back as a frontline royal in 2020 and moved to California.
He has argued that his position as the King’s son, his place in the line of succession and his military service mean he requires protection when in the UK. He lost a series of legal challenges over the arrangements.
At present, the Sussexes are understood to have access to a police liaison officer’s telephone number. Harry believes this does not amount to effective protection because officers could take time to arrive if the family were in danger.
Police protection for the couple is understood to be arranged on a case-by-case basis. Harry has received police security at some recent events in Britain, while he and Meghan also pay for private protection.
The review is expected to consider the risks to both Harry and Meghan. It would be the first assessment of potential threats facing the duchess since the couple left the monarchy.
The Home Office said: “The UK Government’s protective security system is rigorous and proportionate. It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals’ security.”
