Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced fierce criticism over their relocation to the UK, with a former Met Police Chief Superintendent claiming the speed of their children's school change 'beggars belief'.
The Sussexes withdrew Archie and Lilibet from their original school after just two days due to security concerns. The couple's bodyguards had reportedly only tested the route to the school during the summer holidays, when it was quieter, and on the first two days the convoy transporting the children became separated during the busy school run.
Former police chief criticises 'rushed' move
Dal Babu, a former Met Police Chief Superintendent, told the Mail that the 'saga' of removing Archie and Lilibet from their first UK school was a sign they had 'rushed' their move. He added: "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".
Dai Davies, former head of royal protection, 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."
Parents baffled by quick change
Parents at the school have also been left 'baffled' by the quick change. One mother stated: "Parents at the school are completely baffled. You don't need to be an expert to know how congested that area is. It's one of the worst places to drive in the UK." Another added that the sluggish traffic during the school run was "obviously going to happen."
Harry was reportedly spotted helping Lilibet settle into reception, and the couple were added to WhatsApp groups. The decision comes as Harry continues to raise concerns about the family's security, advocating for increased protection.
Children to attend another school
Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, will now attend a different school in the vicinity. A spokesperson for the Sussexes 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 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."
