Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have hit out at photographers who were seen hanging around the school their children attend in the UK. A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex described the behavior as "extraordinarily reckless" in a statement issued on September 30, 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Two men carrying backpacks were reportedly seen walking around the edge of Archie and Lilibet's school.
- The Sussexes' spokesperson called the conduct an unacceptable intrusion into children's privacy.
- The statement pointed to a recent incident at RAF Fairford as a reason for extra caution.
- The family moved the children to a new school just two days into the term over security worries.
- Local police told ABC News they could neither confirm nor deny the reports.
What Reportedly Happened
According to media reports, two men were spotted circling the boundary of the school, which has not been publicly named. They were said to be pausing to peer into the grounds. Some reports say police later identified them as photographers working for a European press agency, though a local force told ABC News it could not confirm the details.
The Sussexes Respond
The couple's spokesperson drew a clear line between normal press work and what was described here. Photographers walking the perimeter of a school and watching children go about their day, the statement said, is nothing like legitimate media activity.
The spokesperson also said it was troubling that some European paparazzi seem unwilling to respect the privacy of schoolchildren. Timing made it worse, the statement added, coming so soon after the RAF Fairford incident, which showed a serious lack of judgment. Whatever pictures the men were after, the spokesperson called it an irresponsible way to behave near a school.
A Difficult Return to the UK
Harry and Meghan moved back to Britain on August 26 after six years in the United States, mainly so Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, could attend school there. Their first school did not last long. Only two days after term began, the family switched schools because of security concerns, including the practicalities of the daily commute.
Neither the new school nor the family's home address has been made public.
Why Harry Keeps Raising This Issue
Harry has spoken about security for years, often comparing the pressure on Meghan to what his late mother, Princess Diana, faced. Diana died in a 1997 car crash in Paris while being pursued by paparazzi. That history is a big reason the couple reacts so strongly whenever cameras get close to their family, especially their children.
What Comes Next
It is not yet clear whether any official action will follow. For now, the incident shows how quickly the Sussexes' move home has turned into a fresh debate about privacy, security and the limits of press behavior.
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