Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were seemingly onto something when they expressed concerns for their privacy and safety in the U.K., as two international photographers working for a European media agency were reportedly spotted walking the perimeter of the school their kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have been attending since relocating from Montecito, California.
According to reports, two young men carrying backpacks were spotted by private security and school staff, and stopped at various points to look into the grounds. They then returned to a white van that police determined was a rental vehicle.
Thankfully, the photographers were removed from the area, but the incident has raised concerns about the family’s privacy and safety in general, while also highlighting the longstanding concerns the couple had about spending time in the U.K. – even more so now that RAVEC is reviewing their current security arrangements. Keep reading for more info…
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Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Speak Out About The 'Unacceptable Intrusion'
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have spoken out about the intrusion at their kids' school via their spokesperson, in a statement obtained by outlets including Fox News Digital.
The Sussexes' spokesperson characterized the episode as "an unacceptable intrusion into the privacy of children." The statement said: "The decision by photographers to conduct themselves in this way around a school is extraordinarily reckless."
"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 statement continued.
"It is concerning enough that certain European paparazzi appear unwilling to respect the privacy of children at school," it went on. "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 spokesperson concluded: "Whatever photographs they may have been seeking, this was not only an unacceptable intrusion into the privacy of all children; it was an irresponsible and ill-considered way to conduct themselves in the vicinity of a school."
Prince Harry's Long-Running Privacy And Security Concerns
Prince Harry and Meghan have long been concerned about their children's privacy. The Spare author reportedly wanted to keep them off social media and was at odds with the former Suits actress, who wanted to include them in content promoting her brands and businesses. They seemingly compromised on the matter, as Meghan shares pictures of the kids while their faces remain hidden – a move also adopted by A-listers such as Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber, among many others.
Then there's the wider issue of security in the U.K. Prince Harry previously said he wouldn't bring his wife and kids to the country without adequate security as he feared for their safety. However, the family has now returned to the U.K. for an extended period despite Harry and Meghan still not being working royals and therefore not automatically receiving the taxpayer-funded security they once had. So what protection are they actually receiving?
Their security arrangements are currently under review. According to reports, RAVEC agreed to carry out a full security review for Harry and a separate one for Meghan, although this doesn't necessarily mean their police protection will be increased.
And the latest incident at Archie and Lilibet's school has reportedly now been passed to RAVEC as part of that review. Could this change things? Only time will tell!
Social Media Reactions
Social media had a lot of thoughts, with many people questioning the timing of the incident amid the Sussexes' ongoing push for increased security. Some even suggested it may have been "staged" or even completely made up to bolster their case, although there is currently no evidence to support those claims.
"Definitely trying to prove that they need the government to pay for security," claimed one person on Instagram. "All a ploy to get security paid for. Meghan probably told the paps where stand to get noticed!" alleged a second.
"I'll take 'Never happened' for $1000, Alex," wrote a third, as a fourth claimed: "There was no security scare. No one cares enough to even bother thinking about them. It's just another ploy for taxpayer-funded security."
"As they continue making their case for public-funded security that they are not entitled to," commented a fifth. "STAGED," alleged a sixth, followed by the 100 emoji.
"Another pitch for paid security. I wouldn't put it past them to arrange something like this," wrote a seventh. "This is simply a privacy issue, not one that threatened their personal safety!" argued an eighth.
"This feels like that Manhattan car chase all over again. They cry wolf way too often, nobody buys it anymore," commented a ninth, referencing the couple's controversial New York car chase in 2023.
