International paparazzi were observed patrolling the grounds surrounding the school attended by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have condemned the incident, describing the conduct of the two men, believed to be European photographers, as “extraordinarily reckless.”
The individuals in question were seen carrying backpacks and walking along the perimeter of the school shortly after the royal children had recently enrolled. Both private security personnel and school staff noticed the men pausing at various points to peer into the school grounds, raising concerns about their intentions.
Initially spotted separately, the two men were later seen together before returning to a white van, which police confirmed was a rental vehicle. Authorities subsequently identified them as international photographers.
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A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess stated: “The decision by photographers to conduct themselves in this way around a school is extraordinarily reckless. 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 spokesperson continued, expressing concern about the disregard for the privacy of children, especially in light of a recent incident at RAF Fairford. “It is concerning enough that certain European paparazzi appear unwilling to respect the privacy of children at school. But to behave in this manner in these particular circumstances, and so soon after the incident at RAF Fairford, demonstrates an extraordinary lack of judgment. Whatever photographs they may have been seeking, this was not only an unacceptable intrusion into the privacy of children; it was an irresponsible and ill-considered way to conduct themselves in the vicinity of a school.”