The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have relocated their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to a new school closer to their home following concerns over security and logistical challenges at their previous school. The move comes after just two days at the initial institution, which was reportedly causing strain on the family’s private security team.
Dai Davies, a former head of royal protection, questioned the necessity of the Sussex family arriving at school in a convoy accompanied by security vehicles. Speaking on LBC radio, he emphasized that maintaining a low profile would reduce public attention and enhance safety. “If you keep a low profile, most people outside the school wouldn’t know where you are, what they’re doing,” Davies said. He expressed concern over the visibility created by the convoy, especially given the children’s young ages, suggesting that quieter travel arrangements would offer greater security.
The decision to change schools was influenced in part by travel conditions. Reports indicate that heavy traffic and extended commutes during school terms contributed to anxiety among the Sussex security team. Bodyguards worried that the children could become vulnerable while stationary in traffic or risk separation from the family car. Although security personnel had previously conducted journey assessments over the summer, they had not been able to account for regular term-time congestion.
A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan expressed gratitude to the staff at the former school for their care and support. The new school was assessed by the security team on Friday before Archie and Lilibet visited on Monday and started full-time attendance the following day. This choice has reportedly been welcomed by the Sussex household and their security detail due to the shorter and presumably safer commute.
The move has also brought relief to the previous school and local community, where parents had raised concerns about road closures and increased traffic congestion caused by the Sussex family’s arrivals, according to ITV News.
In a separate note, the Duchess of Sussex shared a personal tribute to mark the Duke’s 42nd birthday on Instagram. Posting a montage of family photographs, Meghan described Harry as “simply the best” and wished him a happy birthday. The images included moments from a skiing holiday, a quad biking outing, and a vineyard visit. This social media post marked only the second glimpse of the Sussex family’s private life since their return to the United Kingdom, with Meghan having shared recent videos of the family enjoying outdoor activities earlier in the week.
The official Royal Family accounts did not publish birthday wishes for Harry, as 42 is not considered a milestone year. The Sussexes continue to balance public attention with personal security considerations as they settle into their life back in the UK.