Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have recently transferred their children to a new school only days after the new term commenced, it has been reported. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made this decision following discussions with their security team concerning the practical challenges of their current school arrangements.
Prince Archie, aged seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, had begun the academic year at a school in England after the family relocated from the United States a little over two weeks ago. However, due to heavy traffic and the lengthy journey to the existing school placing pressure on their security detail, the family have opted to move the children to another school, according to Hello! magazine.
A spokesperson for the family stated, “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. The parents remain extremely grateful to all the teachers and staff for the love, care and effort they have shown their family. This decision should in no way be interpreted as a reflection on the school or the exceptional care the children have received there.”
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This development follows reports that both Harry and Meghan will undergo an official risk assessment following their recent return to the UK.
In January 2020, Harry and Meghan announced their intention to step back as senior members of the royal family, become financially independent, continue supporting Queen Elizabeth II, and divide their time between the UK and North America. However, the late Queen decreed at the Sandringham Summit that the couple could not retain a half-in, half-out status. The current King has recently confirmed that this agreement remains in place.
Just over two weeks ago, the Sussex family moved back to the UK, with rumours circulating that Meghan may resume her acting career. The decision to change schools for their children came shortly after last week’s meeting of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec), which oversees royal security decisions.
Prince Harry, who will turn 42 on Tuesday, is awaiting the outcome of the Risk Management Board’s threat assessment. Ravec is expected to decide whether the Sussex family will be entitled to taxpayer-funded security now that they reside in the UK. According to The Telegraph, the committee chairman recently wrote to the Duke confirming that in light of their altered circumstances, new risk assessments have been commissioned for both Harry and Meghan.