Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have changed their children's school just two days into the new term over security concerns, according to reports. Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, had only met their new classmates last week, but have reportedly already been moved.
The move comes as the couple have been granted their first government-backed security review since returning to the UK. Sources close to the couple told HELLO! Magazine that the decision was not a reflection on the school itself, but rather an issue with traffic on the busy route to and from the school, which made it difficult for the family to travel in convoy.
Statement from the Sussexes
A spokesman for the Duke and Duchess 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.”
Security review details
The development follows the couple's relocation back to UK soil after spending five years living in Montecito, California. Both Harry and Meghan will receive an official risk assessment as part of the process.
The Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) has requested the couple to share the full details of their new daily routines, the Telegraph reports. The request is believed to have stated that the family must establish a “pattern of life” in the UK.
The Sussexes will be required to share their daily journeys, including the school run, addresses involved, various timings and routes they are expected to take. They will also have to share other regular movement made by all members of the family and additional evidence which they believe is relevant.
Ravec assessment and King's letter
Ravec, which is part of the Home Office, is expected to meet again to discuss the findings following the review. The security assessment is the first since Meghan was given protection as a working member of the Royal family in 2018, after she wed Harry. The review shows Ravec, whose members are taken from the royal household, the Metropolitan Police and the Government, acknowledge Harry and Meghan’s change in circumstances.
Last week, King Charles issued a letter to government departments, military officials and Lord Lieutenants, which explained Harry and Meghan's position now they have returned. The letter read: "It is well known that in January 2020 the Duke and Duchess stepped down from undertaking representative duties on behalf of the Sovereign, and are no longer working members of the Royal Family."
It added: "The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity." The letter also stresses the couple's HRH titles remain suspended and are not to be used in official contexts.
Harry and Meghan were "surprised" by the contents of the letter, which the Palace says was sent to them 67 minutes before it was released. A spokesman for the Duke and Duchess said: "We were a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance." The couple insist they are “happy to be back” in the UK, and getting Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet settled at school “remains their focus”.
