Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have condemned what they described as "extraordinarily reckless" actions by international paparazzi near their children's school. A spokesman for the couple stated that the photographers' behavior constituted an "unacceptable intrusion into the privacy" of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Two photographers, reportedly using a white rental van and wearing backpacks, were observed by private security and school staff. According to an insider cited by ITV News, the individuals were seen "scouting out" the school and conducting "reconnaissance" for several hours before departing.
The incident occurred amidst heightened security concerns, with the spokesman noting the paparazzi's actions displayed "an extraordinary lack of judgment" in the wake of a suspected terror plot near RAF Fairford on Sunday. This air base, used by the U.S. Air Force, is believed to have connections to families of some American children attending the unnamed school.
"There is a world of difference between legitimate media activity and photographers walking the perimeter of a school, stopping to look into the grounds and monitoring children as they go about their day," the spokesman said. "It is concerning enough that certain European paparazzi appear unwilling to respect the privacy of children at school. But to behave in this manner in these particular circumstances, and so soon after the incident at RAF Fairford, demonstrates an extraordinary lack of judgment."
The incident has been reported to the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec), which will assess the situation as part of Harry and Meghan's ongoing threat assessment to determine their eligibility for taxpayer-funded security in the UK.
The timing of the paparazzi incident is particularly sensitive, occurring just 48 hours after five men were arrested near RAF Fairford following the discovery of three vans blocking a road. The base has been utilized by U.S. bombers for operations in the Middle East.
Archie and Lilibet's education has previously been a point of focus for the Sussexes. The children were reportedly moved to a new, undisclosed school after only two days at a different institution, due to traffic and travel time concerns that allegedly strained their security detail. They are believed to have been attending their current school for approximately two weeks.
Harry recently expressed satisfaction with their return to Britain, stating that Archie and Lilibet are "happy in school" and that it has been "great" to be back on British soil after six years in the U.S. The couple stepped down as working royals in 2020.