Full Breakdown
Prince Harry and Meghan Move Children to New School Over Security Concerns
By Drooid · · How we work
School Change After Two Days
On September 14, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced that Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, would leave the school they had started two days earlier and enroll in another local school. The decision followed a discussion with the family’s security team about the practicality of the daily school run. Sources close to the couple said the original school itself posed no problem; rather, heavy traffic, the distance from the Sussexes’ residence, and the strain on their small private security detail made it difficult to keep the convoy together and maintain operational security.
Background and Security Context
Harry and Meghan returned to the United Kingdom last month after six years in California, relocating to the Cotswolds for an “extended stay.” Their move coincided with a shift in their security arrangements: they are no longer entitled to taxpayer-funded protection and instead rely on a private security firm. Since stepping down as senior working royals in 2020, Harry has pursued legal challenges to restore police protection, losing a Court of Appeal case in 2025 and earlier challenges in 2023 and 2024.
The Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) has been asked to review the Sussexes’ daily routines, including school runs, to assess any changes to the threat they face. Meghan is also undergoing her first government-backed security review since the couple’s departure from royal duties. The committee’s Risk Management Board is expected to consider the family’s residence, travel routes, and the security implications of the children’s schooling.
Official Statements & Responses
A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess said the school change was made after the security team highlighted practical concerns with the current arrangements. The spokesperson added that the parents remain extremely grateful to the teachers and staff for their care and that the decision should not be interpreted as a reflection on the school’s quality.
RAVEC officials have indicated that they will receive detailed information about the Sussexes’ routines, including addresses visited and routes taken, to inform any adjustments to their protection level. No final decision on the outcome of the review has been announced.
Data & Statistics
- Prince Archie: 7 years old
- Princess Lilibet: 5 years old
- The original private school reportedly charges more than $35,000 annually (as reported by Page Six).
- The security team is described as “small,” and heavy traffic on the school-run route was cited as a key factor in the decision.
Impact and Implications
The abrupt school switch highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by the Sussexes despite their relocation to the UK. It underscores the importance of the forthcoming RAVEC risk assessment, which could influence future decisions about police protection for the family. The move also comes as Harry prepares for a series of public appearances, though it remains unclear whether Meghan will join him.
What’s Next
RAVEC’s Risk Management Board is slated to evaluate the Sussexes’ security needs in the coming weeks, including the children’s school arrangements. The outcome of that assessment will determine whether the family’s protection level is adjusted. No further details about the new school’s name or location have been released.