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Harry & Meghan: Security fears for UK school run
6 Sep
Summary
- Couple awaits Home Office decision on taxpayer-funded police protection.
- Harry believes security denial is punishment for quitting royal duties.
- Meghan feared UK school runs would become a paparazzi frenzy.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are adjusting to life back in England, with their children, Archie and Lilibet, set to start at a new prep school. A significant concern for the couple is the ongoing uncertainty surrounding taxpayer-funded police protection, a matter they are awaiting a decision on from the Home Office. Harry has been actively pursuing the reinstatement of his security detail, having fought for years to regain protection and previously stating he did not feel safe bringing his family to the UK without it.
Sources suggest Prince Harry believes the delay in receiving police protection is a form of "punishment" for relinquishing royal duties. His primary concern currently focuses on the school run, which he and Meghan view as a potential security risk due to its predictable timing and location. Meghan had previously expressed apprehension that school drop-offs in Britain could devolve into a "frenzy" with intense media attention.
However, royal commentators like Robert Jobson have countered these concerns, highlighting the UK's privacy rules and noting that other senior royals, such as Prince William and Princess Kate, manage school runs without significant paparazzi intrusion. Currently, Harry and Meghan utilize privately funded security, whose officers are not permitted to carry firearms or access intelligence services like British police. A friend close to Harry emphasized the government's duty to protect all citizens, including the royal family, irrespective of their roles.
Reports indicate that a key reason for Harry and Meghan's return to the UK is Harry's work on a film project about his late mother, Princess Diana, in anticipation of the 30th anniversary of her death next year. Evidence of this project emerged with reports of a film crew at Althorp Estate, where Diana's brother resides. Meanwhile, Meghan recently broke her silence following their UK arrival to mourn the passing of her friend, feminist activist Gloria Steinem, sharing a tribute on social media.
