Prince Harry’s spokesperson has strongly criticised two photographers who were reportedly seen outside the UK school attended by his children, Archie and Lilibet.
The spokesperson described their alleged conduct as “extraordinarily reckless”, arguing that there is a clear distinction between legitimate media reporting and photographers monitoring children around a school.
Photographers Accused of Watching School Grounds
According to the statement issued to ABC News, the photographers were reportedly seen moving around the perimeter of the school, looking into the grounds and observing pupils.
“There is a world of difference between legitimate media activity and photographers walking the perimeter of a school, stopping to look into the grounds and monitoring children as they go about their day,” Harry’s spokesperson said.
The statement argued that photographing children in such circumstances goes beyond normal press activity and represents an unacceptable intrusion into their privacy.
Harry’s Children Recently Returned to UK School
The incident comes shortly after Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, began attending school in the UK following their family’s move from California in late August.
Harry and his wife Meghan Markle have been increasingly focused on settling their children into their new surroundings after relocating the family back to Britain.
The couple have previously been vocal about concerns surrounding the privacy and safety of their children, particularly given the intense media attention surrounding the royal family.
Spokesperson Condemns Paparazzi Conduct
Harry’s representative said the reported behaviour was particularly troubling because it occurred near a school, where children should be able to go about their daily routines without being monitored by photographers.
“Whatever photographs they may have been seeking, this was not only an unacceptable intrusion into the privacy of children; it was an irresponsible and ill-considered way to conduct themselves in the vicinity of a school,” the spokesperson said.
The statement also expressed concern that some European paparazzi photographers may not be willing to respect the privacy of children while they are at school.
Harry Says Children Are Settling In
The controversy follows comments from Harry indicating that his children have adapted well to their new school.
Speaking to CTV News in Canada after taking part in a skydiving event to support two veterans’ charities, Harry said it was “great to be back on British soil”.
He also offered a brief update on family life, saying: “The kids are happy in school.”
Family Move Coincides With Invictus Preparations
Harry’s return to Britain has also allowed him to concentrate on preparations for the next Invictus Games, which are scheduled to take place in Birmingham in July 2027.
While the family’s UK move has brought Archie and Lilibet closer to their father’s homeland, the reported incident outside their school has once again highlighted the difficult balance Harry and Meghan face between public interest and their children’s privacy.
