Prince Harry and Meghan have moved their children, Archie (7) and Lilibet (5), to a new school in England for security reasons after returning from California in late August. The decision followed consultations with the family's security team about practical concerns, including the length and traffic of the school commute. The family is awaiting a government risk assessment that could determine eligibility for publicly funded protection. Officials said the move is about safety and logistics, not a criticism of the previous school.
Harry and Meghan Move Archie and Lilibet to New School Citing Security Concerns
FILE - Prince Harry, and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, arrive for an event, during a visit to Bondi Beach, Australia, April 17, 2026. (Jonathan Brady/Pool Photo via AP, File)
LONDON (AP) — Prince Harry and Meghan said Tuesday that they have moved their two children to a different school in England because of security concerns, just weeks after the family returned to the U.K. to begin a new chapter.
A spokesperson said the change "was taken following a discussion with the family's security team about the practicalities of their current arrangements," and stressed the decision was not a reflection on the school itself.
"This decision should in no way be interpreted as a reflection on the school or the exceptional care the children have received there," the statement said.
Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, had only just started the new school year after the family relocated from California in late August. British media reported that the length of the school run and heavy traffic on the route were among the practical concerns raised by Harry, Meghan and their security advisers. The family is living at a private, non-royal residence outside London.
Security And Royal Status
The announcement comes as the couple await a fresh risk assessment from the government committee that reviews protection for VIPs — a decision that could determine whether publicly funded security will be restored now that they are back in the U.K. Harry has long sought the restoration of police protection that was withdrawn when he and Meghan stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020.
Harry and Meghan moved to California after stepping back from royal life and later secured commercial deals with companies including Netflix and Spotify. Relations with other members of the royal family have been strained, though Harry has signaled an interest in reconciliation to spend more time with his father, King Charles III.
Earlier this month, the king reiterated that Harry and Meghan remain non-working members of the royal family and would continue to refrain from using formal royal styles such as "His Royal Highness" and "Her Royal Highness," as they have since 2020. The couple said they were surprised by the timing and wording of the monarch's statement.
Officials emphasized the children's welfare and safety as the primary reasons for the school move while discussions about long-term security arrangements continue.
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