Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are speaking out through their spokesperson after photographers were allegedly spotted around the school attended by Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
The reported incident comes as the children settle into life in Britain following the family’s move from California in late August.
© Cameron SpencerAccording to a source who spoke to ABC News, two men carrying backpacks were seen walking around the school attended by Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five.
The men reportedly looked into the grounds before returning to a white van. The family’s UK residence and the children’s school have not been publicly identified.
© Meghan Markle/IG“The decision by photographers to conduct themselves in this way around a school is extraordinarily reckless,” the Sussexes’ spokesperson said in a statement to ABC News on September 30. The representative drew a distinction between legitimate media activity and photographers watching children during their school day.
The statement also emphasized concern for children’s privacy. “It is concerning enough that certain European paparazzi appear unwilling to respect the privacy of children at school,” the spokesperson said, according to a report published in The Irish News.
© Meghan Markle/InstagramIn a further excerpt published by People, the spokesperson called the conduct “an irresponsible and ill-considered way to conduct themselves in the vicinity of a school.” Local police also told ABC News they could neither confirm nor deny the reported incident.
The latest report follows an earlier change to the children’s school arrangements. Archie and Lilibet switched schools shortly after the beginning of term because of security and logistical concerns surrounding their commute.
© Meghan Markle/IGThose discussions included time spent stationary in traffic and whether the family’s car and security vehicle could remain together. The school change preceded the latest reported incident.
Harry nevertheless recently shared a positive update about the children’s adjustment. Speaking to Canadian broadcaster CTV after a charity skydive outside Toronto, he said, “The kids are happy in school and it gives me a chance to really focus on Invictus in Birmingham.”
© Yaroslav Sabitov - PA ImagesThe family’s return follows six years living in the United States. Harry’s recent remarks suggest the children are finding their feet at school, while the latest statement underlines their parents’ concerns about protecting that daily routine from unwanted attention.
