Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have moved their children Prince Archie (7) and Princess Lilibet (5) to a new school in the UK just days after they began the new academic year, following concerns raised by the family’s security team.
A spokesperson for the Sussexes confirmed the decision was made after discussions with the security team about the practicalities of transporting the children to and from school. The children had attended their original school for only two days before the move was implemented.
Security concerns cited
The family’s security vehicles reportedly struggled to remain together during one incident, raising concerns about the feasibility of managing the daily journey safely. The spokesperson stated the parents remain "extremely grateful" to the staff at the original school for their care and effort.
New school transition
Archie and Lilibet have since visited another school in the area for a taster session. Prince Harry was reportedly seen settling Lilibet into reception, and the couple have already been added to parents’ WhatsApp groups for the new school.
Broader security context
The school change follows ongoing discussions about the Sussexes’ security arrangements during their extended return to the UK. Harry has sought changes to his security provisions since stepping back as a working royal, and his legal challenge over police protection resulted in a Court of Appeal defeat in 2025. Meghan has also recently been granted her first government-backed security review since the couple stepped down from royal duties in 2020.
The Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) is currently examining the couple’s current circumstances as part of their risk assessment process.
Family celebration
The move comes as Prince Harry celebrated his 42nd birthday, with Meghan sharing nine new photographs of him with their children and their dog, Pula. The images, posted to her Instagram account, show the family on outdoor adventures, including Harry driving a quad bike with the children in the back and skiing with Lilibet. Meghan’s caption read: "He's simply the best. Happy birthday, my love."
The photos were accompanied by an excerpt from Noah Reid’s cover of Tina Turner’s "Simply the Best," which featured in the TV show Schitt’s Creek.