Meghan Markle’s mobile number is reportedly being shared among parents at the school attended briefly by her and Prince Harry’s children, amid claims that screenshots from a WhatsApp group have circulated online.
The Duchess of Sussex is understood to have joined a group named “Year 3” on the eve of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet starting at the unnamed school. An alleged screenshot showed her writing: “Hi moms! Thanks for the warm welcome [heart emoji]. So happy to be a part of this community xx”.
The Sussexes declined to comment. However, sources close to the couple said it was disappointing that fellow parents had allegedly sought to share the information.
Security concerns behind the school change
The claims emerged after Harry and Meghan decided to withdraw their children from the school because of concerns about the journey and the pressure it was placing on their security team.
The drive, expected to take about 35 minutes, could last up to an hour during rush hour. On one occasion, a convoy carrying the children is said to have been separated in stationary traffic, leaving them vulnerable, according to claims.
Friends of the couple stressed that the decision was not a criticism of the school itself. Archie and Lilibet are expected to move to another school where they have already attended taster sessions, with the shorter journey understood to have reassured their protection team.
The change has prompted questions about why the route was tested by the family’s drivers during the summer holidays, when traffic was lighter. The Sussexes’ return to the UK has also been described by critics as rushed.
Former Metropolitan Police chief superintendent Dal Babu said: “It does beggar belief why they haven’t thought this through. I don’t think he [Harry] has helped himself or the situation by not arranging things in good time.”
Former head of royal protection Dai Davies told LBC radio: “If you keep a low profile, most people outside the school wouldn’t know where you are, what they’re doing, and all the rest of it.
“Do they really need to go in convoy with two little children on the school run? If they only just kept a little quieter, kept a lower profile, they’d be a lot safer in my view.”
One mother with children at the school said the decision to enrol Archie and Lilibet had initially excited parents, but added that many were now “completely baffled” because the area was known to be heavily congested.
Another mother said of the lengthy journey: “This was obviously going to happen.”
Review of Harry’s security
The school decision came as Harry’s request for taxpayer-funded police protection was reportedly being reviewed following the family’s move to Britain.
The committee responsible for security arrangements for high-profile royals and politicians, known as Ravec, is said to have informed the Duke of Sussex that a full review would take place. The assessment is expected to consider risks to both Harry and Meghan.
Mike Tapp, the Labour MP for Dover and Deal, said: “Nearly three weeks after their arrival, the King’s son, Meghan, and their children remain without protection.
“Whatever the eventual outcome, there are serious questions about how this process has been handled. In the cold light of day, there should be a proper review to ensure decisions of this importance are made swiftly, independently and on the basis of risk.”
Harry has spent years challenging the Home Office’s decision to remove his automatic entitlement to publicly funded protection after he stepped back as a working royal in 2020 and moved to California. He has lost a series of legal challenges over the decision.
At present, the Sussexes are understood to have been given the number of a police liaison officer to contact if they need help. Harry argues that this would not amount to immediate protection in an emergency.
Scotland Yard does not discuss individual royal security arrangements. The Home Office said its protective security system was “rigorous and proportionate” and that it would not provide details because doing so could compromise security.
