Two photographers were seen walking the perimeter of a private school in the English countryside where Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet attend, according to a statement from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s spokesperson.
The incident occurred on a day when local police were investigating three suspicious vehicles near RAF Fairford, approximately 48 hours prior to the sighting. The photographers, identified as working for a European press agency, were initially observed separately before being seen together near the school grounds. They later returned to a white rental van, which police confirmed was rented.
Security and school staff spotted the men, who were carrying backpacks and stopped at various points to look into the grounds. The Sussexes’ spokesperson described the conduct as ‘extraordinarily reckless’, stating: “There is a world of difference between legitimate media activity and photographers walking the perimeter of a school, stopping to look into the grounds and monitoring children as they go about their day.”
The school, which also enrolls children of American families connected to a nearby US Air Force base, has been the subject of heightened security concerns since the Sussexes’ return to the UK. The family has sought to keep the location of their home and children’s school private, having already changed schools once due to traffic and security concerns.
Police response
Local authorities confirmed the white van was a rental vehicle and are reviewing footage from the area. A spokesperson for the Gloucestershire Constabulary stated that officers were aware of the incident and had made no arrests. “We are aware of reports regarding suspicious activity near a school,” the spokesperson said. “Officers attended and spoke to the individuals, who were identified as media professionals. No offenses were reported at the time.”
Broader context
The incident follows a pattern of security concerns for the Sussex family since their relocation from California. The couple, who stepped down from royal duties in 2020, have requested automatic police protection for their family, similar to other senior royals. Their spokesperson reiterated the family’s stance, stating: “The privacy and safety of our children remain our top priority.”
The Sussexes have long criticized media intrusion, with Prince Harry previously linking aggressive paparazzi tactics to the death of his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997. The couple has also spoken about the press treatment of Meghan Markle, comparing it to their own experiences.
School and community impact
The school, which has not been publicly named, is located in a rural area with a mix of local and international students. Parents and staff declined to comment when reached by media. One nearby resident, who asked not to be named, stated: “We’ve noticed increased security presence since the Sussexes moved to the area. This incident is concerning, but we trust local authorities to handle it appropriately.”
The Sussexes’ security team has maintained a private presence around the school and family home, though they do not receive government-funded protection at this time.