Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have withdrawn their children from school just two days into the new term after security arrangements proved unworkable, a spokesperson for the couple confirmed Monday.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry, 41, and Markle, 45, relocated Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, following consultations with their protection team about operational challenges, according to Hello! Magazine. Heavy traffic had strained the small security detail during the school commute, and the family’s distance from the campus made convoy protocols difficult to maintain.
“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 couple’s representative told the outlet.
The spokesperson emphasized that the withdrawal reflected no criticism of the institution itself. “The parents remain extremely grateful to all the teachers and staff for the love, care and effort they have shown their family,” they continued.
“This decision should in no way be interpreted as a reflection on the school or the exceptional care the children have received there.”
A source close to the family expressed disappointment about the disruption. “It’s a real shame, because they absolutely adored the school, the kids and their parents,” they shared with Hello!
“It was perfect for them in every way and the children really enjoyed their time there. They really wanted to make it work, but they had to make a difficult decision based on the fact that the team couldn’t make the school run operationally secure.”
Security checks had been completed at the original school before term began, but the couple could not conduct advance testing of the actual commute, an insider explained. The private institution reportedly charges more than $35,000 annually in tuition.
By Monday, both children had been enrolled at a nearer alternative. Hello! Noted that Harry was seen with Lilibet in a reception area that day, and the parents had already been added to WhatsApp groups for families at the new location.
The school transfer coincides with ongoing legal efforts by Harry to retain taxpayer-funded police protection despite his non-working royal status, reports said. The couple, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020, returned to England last month as “private citizens with commercial and charitable interests” and are residing closer to King Charles III during his cancer treatment.
Last week, authorities granted the Sussexes a security review related to their relocation and requested detailed information about daily routines including school transportation. The couple was asked to provide specifics of their everyday movements to inform protection assessments.
On Sunday, Markle offered a glimpse of their English domestic life through social media, sharing footage of Archie and Lilibet running through countryside near their home.
A representative for the couple was not available to the outlet for additional comment.
The family is expected to remain in the United Kingdom as Harry’s security review proceeds and King Charles continues treatment.