Harry and Meghan blame paparazzi for security scare at children's school

A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex described the incident as an “extraordinary lack of judgment” and an “unacceptable intrusion” into the privacy of children. “It is concerning enough that certain European paparazzi appear unwilling to respect the privacy of children at school,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that the photographers’ behaviour was particularly concerning given the circumstances and came soon after an incident at RAF Fairford. “Whatever photographs they may have been seeking, this was not only an unacceptable intrusion into the privacy of children; it was an irresponsible and ill-considered way to conduct themselves in the vicinity of a school,” the spokesperson said.

Police have been approached for comment. British media organisations have avoided identifying the location of the school or the Sussexes’ residence following a request from the Independent Press Standards Organisation. However, IPSO rules do not apply to representatives of international media organisations.

The incident comes amid longstanding concerns raised by Prince Harry over the security of his family. Earlier this month, Harry and Meghan moved their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, from their previous school only days after the start of the academic term, citing security considerations.

Harry has also spent years challenging the decision to reduce his taxpayer-funded security following his and Meghan’s decision to step back from royal duties in 2020. He unsuccessfully pursued the matter through the British courts.

The Home Office has previously argued that it would not be appropriate for wealthy individuals to purchase protective security from specialist police officers.

Harry has continued to raise concerns about the safety of his family and has compared his experiences with those of his mother, Diana, who died in a high-speed car crash in Paris in 1997 while being pursued by paparazzi.

The latest incident comes as Harry and Meghan are reportedly awaiting an official security risk assessment following their return to the UK from Montecito, California., the couple has been asked to provide authorities with detailed information about their daily routines, including school runs, frequently visited addresses and regular travel routes.

The information, along with other relevant evidence, will be assessed by a branch of the UK Home Office to determine whether there has been any change in the level of threat facing the family.