Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been told to “buy an alarm clock” instead of continuing their attempts to gain taxpayer-funded security, after security concerns led them to pull their two children out of school.
The couple removed Archie and Lilibet from their new school just two days into the academic year. It is understood that unexpected heavy traffic on the route from where they were living to the school meant a 30-minute journey turned into an hour at rush hour. Sources close to the couple claimed that sitting in traffic heightened their security fears as it left them as “sitting ducks”.
One incident is said to have raised concerns when the couple and their security’s vehicles found it difficult to remain in convoy. According to Hello!, the Sussexes’ bodyguards were not able to carry out a recce of the journey in term time, and only practised it during the quieter summer holidays.
Royal biographer criticises couple
Royal biographer Robert Jobson has slammed the pair for citing security concerns over the school run for taking their children out of school. He told The Sun: “I suggest they buy themselves an alarm clock, set it three quarters of an hour early and join the real world...Nobody asked him to come with his family to a country he deemed was unsafe.”
He added: “Round-the-clock security for the non-working royals will cost a small fortune.”
The Sussexes relocated to Britain just weeks ago after spending six years in California. Harry has been fronting the bill for his own personal security team after his taxpayer-funded protection was removed once he ceased to be a working member of the Royal Family in 2020.
Appeals to the Home Office continue
Harry’s fight for security is still raging on as he continues to make appeals to the Home Office. He has appealed to the British government claiming he is still a target for terrorists and fixated persons when in the UK.
A family spokesperson told Hello! Magazine: “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 spokesperson added: “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.”
As the Mirror revealed last month, the government department will now carry out a new Risk Management Board hearing at Harry's request, after months of appeals. It is understood the new review will look at the risks and threats to both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The Mirror is not identifying the schools or the family’s location, but they are believed to be staying temporarily on a private estate owned by a friend while they search for a permanent home. The Mirror has contacted representatives of both Harry and Meghan for comment.
