HARRY AND MEGHAN’S SHOCK SCHOOL SWITCH — SECURITY TEAM RAISED FEARS THEIR CHILDREN WERE LEFT AS “SITTING DUCKS”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have moved Archie and Lilibet to a new school after their security team reportedly raised concerns about the dangers of getting stuck in heavy term-time traffic.

The dramatic change came after the children spent just two days at their previous co-ed day and boarding school, which was considered one of the country’s leading schools and a feeder for Eton College, where Harry and Prince William were educated.

But the family’s security arrangements reportedly became a major concern.

The route from the family’s temporary home to the school was expected to take around 30 minutes. During rush hour, unexpected traffic reportedly turned the journey into an hour-long ordeal.

Sources close to the couple claimed that being trapped in traffic heightened their security fears, leaving the family as “sitting ducks.”

The security team had reportedly tested the route during the quieter summer holidays rather than during term time, when traffic conditions were very different.

Archie And Lilibet Given A Last-Minute New School

The Sussexes’ children have now moved to another school after attending a taster session on Monday.

The new school is understood to be only a short drive from where the family is staying, avoiding more built-up areas and reducing the amount of time spent on the road.

Parents were reportedly given just 24 hours’ notice that Harry and Meghan’s children would be joining.

The Mirror has not identified either school or the family’s location. The Sussexes are believed to be staying temporarily on a private estate owned by a friend while they search for a permanent home.

Harry and Meghan were seen arriving at the new private village school in a convoy of two 4×4 vehicles shortly after 8.15am, with security guards reportedly stepping out to open the doors for the family.

Harry, who celebrated his 42nd birthday, was reportedly seen helping settle five-year-old Lilibet into reception.

Parents’ WhatsApp Groups ‘Buzzing’

The unexpected arrival caused a flurry of messages among parents on Monday night.

Harry and Meghan have since been added to the parents’ WhatsApp groups for each class and welcomed into the school community.

One parent told the Mirror:

“The parents’ WhatsApp groups have been buzzing. It’s all been very sudden and lots of people are talking about it.”

The parent said a message had appeared on the main class group reading: “Please welcome Meghan and Archie to the group”.

They added that the school had a close-knit village atmosphere where parents regularly speak to one another.

Another parent described the arrival as causing “quite a commotion”, saying the community was not accustomed to famous parents arriving in blacked-out vehicles.

But they also hoped the Sussexes would eventually take part in school life, including fundraisers and sporting events.

The school encourages pupils to participate in sports including cricket, rugby, hockey, athletics and lacrosse, while its facilities include an indoor sports hall with cricket nets and basketball courts, as well as an outdoor swimming pool.

Sussexes Explain Why The School Was Changed

Following the abrupt move, a spokesperson for Harry and Meghan told Hello! Magazine that the decision was made after 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 said.

They stressed that the parents remained “extremely grateful” to the teachers and staff at the previous school for the care given to their children.

The spokesperson added:

“This decision should in no way be interpreted as a reflection on the school or the exceptional care the children have received there.”

Harry’s UK Security Fight Continues

The school switch comes as Harry has secured a fresh review of his entitlement to taxpayer-funded security in Britain.

The Home Office is due to hold a Risk Management Board hearing at his request, following months of appeals by the Duke of Sussex.

Harry previously lost his case at the High Court and a subsequent hearing at the Court of Appeal before writing directly to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to request a renewed assessment of his security situation.

The prince and Meghan returned to the UK last month for what sources close to the couple have described as an “extended stay.”

One government source suggested “the goalposts have moved”, while another insider said officials had been asked to make a fresh assessment now that the family had chosen to reside in the UK.

Harry lost his previous right to security while in Britain after he and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and moved to the United States.

Since then, the Duke has argued that he remains a target for terrorists and fixated individuals when in the UK.

He has also appealed for a new risk assessment by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), the body involved in the decision to remove his security detail.

For now, Archie and Lilibet have a new school — one chosen after their parents’ security team reportedly concluded that the daily journey to the first school presented practical risks they could no longer ignore.