The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have criticised two men spotted near the school attended by Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, describing their behaviour as "extraordinarily reckless".
The men, believed to be from Europe, were seen carrying backpacks around the school premises. They were reportedly spotted by both private security and school staff walking the perimeter before stopping at various points to look into the grounds.
Initially seen separately, they were later observed together before returning to a white van, which police established was a rental vehicle. Officers subsequently determined they were international photographers.
Statement from the Sussexes
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.
"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."
Context and response
The incident comes shortly after the family's recent return to the UK. The couple and their two children moved back to Britain only recently.
The school alert follows the earlier incident at RAF Fairford, which the spokesman referenced in the statement.
