Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly moved their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, to a new school just days into the new term, according to a source who spoke to HELLO! Magazine. The decision was made over security issues with the school run, after the family returned to the UK at the end of summer.
Security concerns prompt school change
The Sussexes had reportedly been 'happy to be back' in the UK and had settled Archie and Lilibet into their new school. However, a week after the term began, sources claim the couple swapped schools because the security team could not make the school run operationally secure. A source told HELLO! Magazine: 'It's a real shame, because they absolutely adored the school, the kids and their parents. It was perfect for them in every way and the children really enjoyed their time there.'
The source added: 'They really wanted to make it work, but they had to make a difficult decision based on the fact that the team couldn't make the school run operationally secure.' Reportedly, traffic in the area made it difficult for Harry and Meghan to get their children to and from school in convoy. Security teams had checked out the school itself during the summer, but the drive during term time was not properly factored in.
Official statement from the Sussexes
A spokesman for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: '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 spokesman added: 'The parents remain extremely grateful to all the teachers and staff for the love, care and effort they have shown their family. This decision should in no way be interpreted as a reflection on the school or the exceptional care the children have received there.'
New school and family's UK return
Archie and Lilibet will now join another school in the area for their second week after moving over from the US. Harry and Meghan's move back to Britain comes after they stepped away from the working monarchy six years ago. Since then, they have built a life focused on their family, charitable work, and commercial projects.
