Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pull Archie and Lilibet out of UK school after just two days over security concerns; Sussex children to move to another school after family’s return to Britain
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have withdrawn their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, from their new school in Britain after just two days, with the decision reportedly linked to security concerns surrounding the school run.Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, started at the prep school shortly after the Sussex family returned to Britain following six years in the United States. They are now expected to join another school in the area.A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed that the decision followed discussions with the family’s security team.“The decision for the children to move school was taken following a discussion with the family’s security team about the practicalities of their current arrangements,” the spokesperson told HELLO! Magazine.“The parents remain extremely grateful to all the teachers and staff for the love, care and effort they have shown their family. This decision should in no way be interpreted as a reflection on the school or the exceptional care the children have received there.”
Security concerns over school run
According to the report, there was no problem with the school itself. Instead, concerns reportedly emerged over the practicalities of getting Archie and Lilibet safely to and from school.Security personnel had carried out checks on the school during the summer holidays after Harry and Meghan decided to return to Britain. However, the family’s security team was reportedly unable to properly assess the school run until the start of term.Heavy traffic around the school is said to have made it difficult for the Sussex security convoy to remain together.A friend of the couple told the magazine that Harry and Meghan had wanted to make the arrangement work because their children had enjoyed the school.“It’s a real shame, because they absolutely adored the school, the kids and their parents. It was perfect for them in every way and the children really enjoyed their time there,” the friend said.“They really wanted to make it work, but they had to make a difficult decision based on the fact that the team couldn’t make the school run operationally secure.”
Archie and Lilibet set to start at another school
The children are expected to attend another school in the area. According to the report, Archie and Lilibet visited the new school for a taster session on Monday.Prince Harry was reportedly seen settling Lilibet into reception, while Harry and Meghan have also been added to the school’s parents’ WhatsApp groups.The abrupt change comes only days after the children began their first school in Britain following the family’s return.
Meghan and Harry’s security review
The school move comes as Meghan and Harry’s security arrangements in Britain are again under review.Meghan has reportedly been granted her first government-backed security review since the couple stepped back from royal duties in 2020. Harry and Meghan have been asked to provide details of their daily routines, including the school run, as part of an assessment of any changes to the threat they face.Harry has been fighting to have his police protection reinstated since 2021. He pursued a legal challenge over the decision to remove his taxpayer-funded security, ultimately losing his Court of Appeal case in May 2025.During the legal battle, Harry said he could not see a situation in which he would bring his wife and children back to the UK because of his security concerns.The issue came back into focus during the family’s UK visit in June, when Meghan withdrew from planned public appearances alongside Harry, with their team citing security concerns.In August, Harry and Meghan announced plans to move back to Britain with their children for an extended period, with Archie and Lilibet subsequently enrolled at a school in the area where the family is now living.
Meghan gives glimpse into family’s new life
The school decision comes a day after Meghan shared a series of photographs on Instagram offering a rare glimpse into the family’s life in Britain.The pictures showed Harry, Meghan and their children enjoying outdoor activities, including fishing and woodland walks. Archie and Lilibet were also pictured wearing raincoats and Wellington boots.Prince Harry is due to make several public appearances in the coming days, although it has not been confirmed whether Meghan will accompany him.
