A former royal protection officer has criticised Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for releasing a "shameless" complaint after paparazzi were spotted outside their children's new school.
The couple issued a statement after two international photographers were seen near Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet's school. The children, aged seven and five, are now fully enrolled at a school close to their home, weeks after the family moved to the UK at the end of August.
Paparazzi spotted near school
Two men carrying backpacks were seen by private security and school staff walking the perimeter of the school earlier this week. They are thought to have stopped at various points and were seen looking into the grounds.
A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan said: "The decision by photographers to conduct themselves in this way around a school is extraordinarily reckless. 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.
"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."
Ex-officer hits back
Dai Davis, former head of Met Police security for the Royal Family, spoke to The Sun about the Sussexes' complaint. He said: "Every week their so-called security team has to come up with new things. Paparazzi is not a security incident. It is just to be expected.
"It's not unrealistic to expect some paparazzi who will chance their arm; the security team can deal with that easily. I hope Ravec aren't swayed and common sense prevails as all the incidents amount to sweet FA. There's no comparison to Fairford. It's bordering on shameless but ridiculous as well."
RAF Fairford connection
The paparazzi incident is understood to have taken place just 48 hours after five men were arrested near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, with a farmer discovering three vans blocking a road in the early hours of Sunday. The Sussexes are thought to be residing in the Cotswolds since their return to the UK.
