Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have enrolled their children in a private school in the Cotswolds following security concerns over long-distance travel, just days after starting the school year in England amid an ongoing review of their official protection status.
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan changed their children’s school for security reasons just days after the start of the school year in England, according to British media outlets reported Monday. The family has recently resettled in the Cotswolds in central England, a region popular with celebrities, and enrolled their children in a private school whose name has not been disclosed. According to news24.com, Harry and Meghan’s team did not respond on Monday to AFP’s request for comment.
Security Concerns Over Route and Distance
The family’s decision to pivot to a new school came swiftly after the academic term began. According to reporting from Hello! magazine, the distance to the initial school and the heavy traffic along the transit route raised immediate alarms regarding transport safety. According to news24.com, the family has reportedly resettled in the Cotswolds and enrolled Archie and Lilibet in a private school whose name has not been disclosed.
A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stated via Al Bayan that 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.
Despite the rapid change, representatives for the couple emphasized gratitude toward the initial faculty. According to coverage from regional media, the parents noted that the transition should not reflect poorly on the care provided by the first institution. Annahar.com additionally reported that the parents stated, No should it in any way be construed as a reflection on the school or the exceptional care the children received there, noting they remain deeply grateful to all teachers and staff for the love, care, and effort shown to their family.
Official Security Review and Royal Status
The school move coincides with heightened discussions surrounding the family’s official security arrangements in the United Kingdom. Local media reports indicate that Prince Harry has been pushing for reinstated police protection following their return to the country. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex currently rely on private security guards. News24.com notes that Harry has asked the government to reinstate police protection.
Britain’s Royal and VIP Executive Committee, known as Ravec, met to discuss the protection needs of the family. The committee will conduct a detailed review of potential threats facing the prince and his wife. News24.com reported that Ravec met last week to review threats facing the family and that the committee met as Harry celebrates his 42nd birthday on Tuesday. On Tuesday, news24.com reported, Meghan shared a video in celebration of Harry’s 42nd birthday featuring a montage of sweet moments set to The Hound + The Fox’s Simply the Best,
noting that he is simply the best and wishing him a happy birthday, my love. This security evaluation unfolds alongside confirmation from King Charles III that the couple are not considered working members of the royal family. News24.com further noted that King Charles III stated his son Harry and the prince’s wife, Meghan, are not to be considered working members of the royal family after moving back to Britain from the United States.
Context of Return and Prior Legal Battles
The family’s relocation to the United Kingdom follows their departure to the United States in 2020, during which they stepped back from official royal duties amid public family friction. News24.com adds that Harry subsequently waged a years-long, ultimately unsuccessful, legal battle to retain UK taxpayer-funded security while living in California.
While private security manages day-to-day transport and logistics, the ongoing deliberations by state committees highlight the unresolved questions surrounding official state protection for the family as they establish their new life in central England.