The Duke and Duchess of Sussex withdrew their children from a private school in the United Kingdom after just 48 hours in class, citing security concerns related to the commute and convoy arrangements. The decision followed an incident where their vehicles became separated during heavy traffic, leaving the family’s protection team unable to maintain a secure formation.
Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, had been enrolled at the school for two days before their parents, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, pulled them out on the advice of their security team. The commute from the family’s home to the school took up to an hour each way, and the couple had only been able to assess the route during the summer holidays, when traffic conditions differed significantly from term time.
A source close to the couple stated that their security fears were heightened whenever their vehicles were stopped in traffic, describing the situation as leaving them vulnerable. Friends of the Sussexes emphasized that the issue was not with the school itself but rather the logistical challenges of the commute and the inability to properly evaluate traffic risks during term time.
The withdrawal of the children coincided with reports that Harry’s access to state-funded VIP police protection is being reviewed now that the couple has returned to the U.K. full time. The decision to pull Archie and Lilibet from school was made on the same day as this review was announced.
School Community Reacts
Parents at the school had previously expressed excitement about the Sussexes enrolling their children, with one mother describing the decision as a "coup" that had generated significant interest. However, the sudden withdrawal has left some parents "baffled," according to another source. Harry was reportedly seen settling Lilibet into reception, and the couple were added to WhatsApp groups with other parents.
Security and Royal Status Updates
The Sussexes’ security arrangements have been a recurring topic since their return to the U.K., with concerns raised about the adequacy of their protection given their status as private citizens. Earlier this month, King Charles III sent a letter to officials, including government and military leaders, confirming that Harry and Meghan were no longer working royals and that their "HRH" titles were not in use. The letter described their position as "akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests."
A security expert, Alex Bomberg, noted that this clarification could benefit the couple by reinforcing their right to privacy under U.K. law, which applies equally to private citizens. However, the timing of the letter reportedly caught the Sussexes by surprise, with reports suggesting they had requested the phrase "public figures" instead of "private citizens."
The couple’s legal team has previously cited their status as public figures in court cases, including a 2019 privacy claim filed by Meghan. The ongoing adjustments to their security and public roles continue to shape discussions about their place within the royal family and broader British society.