london —
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, have condemned the “extremely reckless” actions of international photographers, saying they caused a security crisis at their children’s school.
Private security and school staff allegedly spotted two young men (later identified as international photographers) wearing backpacks walking through the school, stopping and looking into the grounds.
A spokesperson for the Sussexes on Monday called the incident an “extraordinary lack of judgment” and an “unacceptable intrusion” after photographers were seen “walking around the perimeter of the school”.
“The reluctance of some European paparazzi to respect the privacy of children at school is deeply concerning,” a spokesperson said. “However, to take this action under these unique circumstances and so soon after the incident at Fairford Air Force Base shows an extraordinary lack of judgment.”
The spokesperson continued: “Regardless of what photos they were seeking, this was not only an unacceptable invasion of children’s privacy, but an irresponsible and thoughtless move so close to a school.”
CNN has reached out to police for comment.
British media has taken care not to identify the location of the school or the Sussexes’ residence at the request of the Independent Press Standards Authority, whose rules do not apply to representatives working for international news organizations.
Prince Harry had long expressed concerns about his family’s safety before returning to the UK at the end of August. Earlier this month, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, were transferred from their previous school just days into the new term due to security concerns.
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties in 2020, the British government decided to reduce the level of taxpayer-funded security, a decision that Prince Harry unsuccessfully challenged in court for years. In one of those judgments, the Home Office argued that it was inappropriate for wealthy individuals to purchase protective security from professional police officers.
Get an early glimpse of Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan as they return to the UK
Prince Harry has continued to seek protection, often citing the situation his wife faced and that of his mother, Princess Diana, who died in a high-speed car crash while being chased by paparazzi in 1997.
The latest incident reportedly occurred as the couple had just returned to the UK from Montecito, California, and were awaiting an official risk assessment.
The Telegraph reported earlier this month that the couple have been asked to provide authorities with as much detail as possible about their new daily routine, including school trips and other trips, addresses they regularly visit and routes they take. This information, together with any other evidence considered relevant, will be used to assess changes in the level of threat facing Home Office agencies.
