Duchess of Sussex's Mobile Number Leaked at School After Children's Brief Attendance
Concerns grow over security fears as Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are withdrawn from a private school after two days.
The mobile phone number of the Duchess of Sussex has reportedly been shared among parents at the private school where she and Prince Harry recently enrolled their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The couple opted to withdraw their children from the unnamed institution after just two days, citing security concerns related to traffic congestion on the commute.
Screenshots allegedly from a WhatsApp group Meghan joined, titled 'Year 3,' are said to be circulating online. According to reports, Meghan had introduced herself to the group shortly before her children began their attendance. However, within 48 hours, the Sussexes decided to remove Archie and Lilibet from the school.
Sources close to the couple expressed disappointment that personal information would be shared, while the Sussexes themselves declined to comment. Friends emphasized that the decision to withdraw the children was not related to any issues with the school itself.
The security concerns stemmed from the lengthy commute to the school. Bodyguards reportedly warned that the busy rush-hour traffic, which could extend a 35-minute drive to an hour, posed a risk. On one occasion, the convoy transporting the children was allegedly separated due to the congestion, leaving them vulnerable.
Archie and Lilibet are expected to attend a different school where they have already participated in taster sessions. The new school is understood to have a shorter commute from the Sussexes' home, a factor that has eased security concerns.
The incident has prompted questions about the planning of the school run, with claims that the route was not adequately tested before the children's enrollment. Critics have suggested that the family's return to the UK and subsequent arrangements appeared rushed.
Prince Harry's ongoing request for taxpayer-funded police protection in the UK is also under review. Harry has long argued for state-funded security when in Britain, a stance that has led to legal battles with the Home Office after he stepped down as a senior royal in 2020. While he has lost previous legal challenges, the Home Office committee responsible for protective security, known as Ravec, is reportedly initiating a comprehensive review of his security needs.
This review is said to encompass the risks to both Harry and Meghan, marking the first such assessment for the Duchess since the couple's departure from royal duties. A previous risk management assessment for Harry in July was conducted before his plans to relocate his family to the UK were finalized.
Currently, the Sussexes rely on private security and have been provided with a police liaison officer's contact number for assistance. Harry has expressed that this arrangement offers minimal protection, given the time it would take for police to respond in an emergency. He has pointed to his status as the son of the monarch, his military service, and potential threats stemming from his memoir as reasons for requiring enhanced security.
Scotland Yard generally does not comment on royal security arrangements, but it is understood that protection is assessed on a case-by-case basis. While Harry and Meghan cover the substantial cost of their private security, British close protection agents are not permitted to carry firearms, unlike their American counterparts, which is a factor in Harry's desire for reinstated police protection.
The Home Office stated that the UK's protective security system is rigorous and proportionate, and that details of specific arrangements are not disclosed to maintain their integrity and effectiveness.