The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have moved their children to a new school in England after two days.
Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, have left the school they started in early September and begun settling in at a new one.
In an exclusive in Hello! magazine, it was revealed that the Sussexes had decided on the change after becoming concerned about their security on the school run.
It’s understood that the journey to and from the school from the home they have chosen is around an hour at peak times which includes school pick up and drop off.
The magazine reported that Harry and Meghan were concerned that they might see their security convoy broken up in the heavy traffic and that the volume of vehicles on the road at the time would mean their car was static and leave them sitting in a jam that they couldn’t escape if needed.
The regular nature of the school run was also raised as a concern and it appears they felt they needed a smoother and swifter journey.
It’s understood they were happy with the school and the care it had given their two children, who have moved to the UK from the US this summer after spending most of their lives in California.
However, the security issues they raised led to them making the decision to change just days into the term.
A new school, closer to their home, has now been found and it’s reported that the two children were beginning to settle there now.
The exclusive in Hello came just hours after another exclusive from ITV News which revealed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had been granted a security review by the board that decides whether top level protection is needed for government figures and VIPs.
The review has been granted as Harry and Meghan are now living more permanently in the UK. They will have to provide RAVEC with details of their daily routines so that an informed decision can be made about whether they need taxpayer funded security all the time, as they have requested. At the moment, the couple pay for private security but they say it isn’t adequate for their needs.
Prince Harry took a long and unsuccessful court case to get more security and has spoken publicly several times about his concerns over safety. For several years, he maintained it wasn’t safe enough for him to bring Archie, Lilibet and Meghan to the UK. However, that changed over the summer.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned to the UK at the end of August, citing their children’s schooling as a major factor in their decision to relocate after six years living in California during which time they gave several interviews in which they appeared unhappy with the Royal Family and the country. The King was told three days before the news was made public and several weeks after Harry and Meghan visited him at Highgrove during a week long stay in the UK. At the time of their afternoon tea at Highgrove, it’s understood they gave no indication of their plans.
Following their return, the Lord Chamberlain wrote to military leaders, lord lieutenants and government officials involved in setting up royal engagements, confirming that Harry and Meghan are private individuals and not representing the Royal Family. The letter was sent after several enquiries to the Palace about the status of the couple.
The letter also stated that the HRH that both had are now in abeyance, meaning they are dormant and cannot be used.
Prince Harry remains fifth in line to the throne and his children, whose faces are never seen in public, are sixth and seventh.
