Daniel Wolfram
The long-awaited return of Prince Harry and his bride, Meghan, to the UK has created some huge security concerns over their children’s safety.
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, recently returned to Britain from the United States with their two children, seven-year-old Prince Archie and five-year-old Princess Lilibet.
But just days into the new school year, the royal couple had to pull their children out of class.
The reason is security concerns for the children and their security team.
A long road to school
According to Hello! magazine, gridlocked traffic and a long daily commute put severe pressure on the family protection team.
The long drives made the job of protecting the children far too complicated for the team.
A spokesperson for the family told Hello! 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.”
Safety on the road
The spokesperson added that the parents remain thankful to the staff, noting: “This decision should in no way be interpreted as a reflection on the school or the exceptional care the children have received there.”
The sudden school change comes at the same time that the UK government reevaluates the family’s protection status. The Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures met recently to decide whether taxpayers should cover their security detail after their return to Britain. There still has not been a verdict in that case.
If the committee decides that the public should not foot the bill, the cost of protection will fall squarely on the couple. Security expert Will Geddes told LADbible that protecting their 83-acre Cotswolds estate could cost around £3 million every year.
Low-profile protection
Geddes explained that famous residents naturally draw unwanted attention from criminal groups. He told LADbible: “The Cotswolds has turned into a bit of an enclave for the rich and famous. By direct proxy of that, it will in itself attract problems.”
Geddes added that security teams face complex challenges beyond guarding the house itself. High-profile properties often draw scrutiny, making constant vigilance essential for the family. Risks abound.
Managing the morning routine requires extra precautions as well. Geddes noted: “During the school run, they will probably need to have at least a couple of extra close-protection officers.” He emphasized that guards must remain discreet to avoid disrupting everyday life at the school gates.
