Parents of pupils attending the same school as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children have been issued with instructions regarding appropriate conduct. This follows the recent relocation of Archie, aged seven, and Lilibet, aged five, to a new school in the UK closer to their temporary residence. Their move came after security concerns arose at the first school, located in Oxford.
Parents and carers at the initial school have reported receiving stringent letters about behavioural expectations, which some have described as “totally unnecessary”. The increased caution comes after the Duchess of Sussex’s phone number was reportedly shared through a parents' WhatsApp group.
Furthermore, even parents from neighbouring schools, which compete in sports fixtures, have been advised only to take photographs of their own children during events. In a letter dispatched this week, the school emphasised the importance of photographing only one’s own child.
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One parent mentioned: “It can’t be a coincidence that these notices are being issued just after Harry and Meghan moved their children into the local area. It’s complete overkill; everyone knows the boundaries. Imagine the upset if anyone were found deliberately taking pictures of children other than their own. We hope this isn’t indicative of future relations as it’s utterly unnecessary.”
The family returned to the UK last month following six years in the United States. However, their private security firm failed to conduct a thorough reconnaissance of their first school in the centre of Oxford. According to sources close to the royal couple, heavy city traffic during school runs left the family vulnerable, with journeys that should have taken 30 minutes extending to an hour.
As a result, advice was given to withdraw the children from the school due to the risks posed by the congested term-time traffic. The new school is a short drive from the family’s temporary home and situated away from busy urban areas.
Reports from parents at the new school describe how two 4x4 vehicles, likely part of the security team, hurried along a country lane near the school upon the family’s arrival. Gary and Meghan were then seen with their security detail and children at the school entrance on their first day.
One local parent said: “Everyone here is very down to earth and normal. We support each other and contribute to school events whenever possible. We expect all new parents to engage fully and become part of the school and wider community.”
Prince Harry has spoken openly about his concerns for his family’s safety since returning to the UK. He previously challenged the government in court twice over the withdrawal of taxpayer-funded security typically afforded to royal family members. Recently, the Home Office announced it would review the threats facing Harry and Meghan, raising hopes that it might cover the estimated £5 million annual cost for their security arrangements.