Just days after starting the new school term, Prince Archie, aged seven, and Princess Lilibet, aged five, have been moved to a different school. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made this change following consultations with their security team, according to reports.
The royal family had recently relocated from the United States to England a little over two weeks ago. Initially, the children commenced the school year at a local institution. However, heavy traffic and the lengthy journey to the original school reportedly placed considerable strain on their security arrangements, prompting the decision to transfer the children to a more accessible school.
A family spokesperson told a magazine: “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.
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“This decision should in no way be interpreted as a reflection on the school or the exceptional care the children have received there.”
Since their announcement in January 2020, Harry and Meghan have stepped back as senior members of the royal family, aiming for financial independence while continuing to support the Queen and divide their time between the UK and North America. However, the late Queen clarified at the Sandringham Summit that the couple could not maintain a part-time royal role, a stance recently reaffirmed by the King.
The relocation to the UK occurred just over a fortnight ago, with Meghan reportedly considering a return to acting.
This school change follows a recent meeting of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec), the body responsible for decisions concerning royal security.
Ahead of Harry’s 42nd birthday, he is awaiting the outcome of a thorough risk assessment carried out by the Risk Management Board. The assessment aims to determine whether the Sussex family is eligible for taxpayer-funded security, now that they reside in the UK.
The committee chairman reportedly informed the duke last week that new risk assessments have been commissioned for both Harry and Meghan in light of their changed circumstances.