Harry and Meghan move children to new school after two days over transit security concerns

School change after two days

Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, have changed schools in England after attending their initial private institution for two days. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle withdrew their children following consultations with their private security team regarding transportation vulnerabilities along the daily route. Archie and Lilibet, who grew up primarily in the United States, had started the British school term in September. The original private school reportedly cost more than $35,000 per child annually. On Monday, Harry attended a taster day with Lilibet at an alternative school in the local area to assist her in preschool, while the couple joined local parent messaging groups.

Commute safety and convoy difficulties

The decision to pull the children stemmed from travel logistics between their home and the facility rather than conditions inside the school itself. Bodyguards had surveyed the school grounds during the summer break, but security staff were unable to assess real-world transit conditions until regular rush-hour traffic resumed. During one journey, heavy traffic disrupted the security convoy, preventing escort vehicles from staying alongside the primary car carrying the children. Harry and Meghan spend millions each year on private security, which currently relies on a police liaison contact number.

A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex released a statement explaining the operational rationale behind the transfer.

“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 representative emphasized that the move was not caused by dissatisfaction with the educational staff.

“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.”

Relocation to the Cotswolds

The school transfer occurs shortly after Harry, 42, and Meghan, 45, returned to the United Kingdom in late August with their children and dogs after living in California since early 2020. The family established a home in the Cotswolds region west of London. Harry and Meghan remain non-working royals who do not occupy a royal residence. Their status as private citizens was confirmed last week in a letter authorized by King Charles to senior British officials, a formal notification that reportedly surprised the couple.

Government security review

Following their permanent return, the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) reviewed the couple's security profile. The case has been referred to a Risk Management Board to conduct a formal risk analysis and assess what level of police protection may be required. Officials asked Harry and Meghan to provide detailed information about their daily routines, habitual travel corridors, and school routes. The process represents the first government security evaluation for Meghan since 2020. Harry previously initiated legal proceedings in September 2021 over state protection, which concluded in 2025 when British courts rejected his appeal against the removal of automatic police security.