The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have condemned as "extraordinarily reckless" the actions of European paparazzi seen outside the school attended by their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The couple, who recently moved back to the UK, expressed particular concern given the recent incident at RAF Fairford.
Photographers seen patrolling school perimeter
Two men, believed to be international photographers from Europe, were spotted by security and school staff outside the school grounds. They were seen carrying backpacks around the perimeter and stopping at various points to look into the premises. Initially observed separately, they were later seen together before returning to a white van, which police established was a rental vehicle. Officers determined they were international photographers.
Sussexes' statement on the intrusion
A spokesman for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: "The decision by photographers to conduct themselves in this way around a school is extraordinarily reckless." The spokesman added that 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 statement continued: "It is concerning enough that certain European paparazzi appear unwilling to respect the privacy of children at school. But to behave in this manner in these particular circumstances, and so soon after the incident at RAF Fairford, demonstrates an extraordinary lack of judgment."
"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."
