Harry and Meghan criticise 'extraordinarily reckless' paparazzi at children's school

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have criticised "extraordinarily reckless" paparazzi they say were staking out their children's school.

A spokesman called it an "unacceptable intrusion" and said photographers were "walking the perimeter" of Archie and Lilibet's school, "stopping to look into the grounds and monitoring children as they go about their day".

It's understood two men with backpacks and using a white van were spotted by private security and school staff.

Police established it was a rental vehicle and the pair were international photographers working for a European press agency.

"The decision by photographers to conduct themselves in this way around a school is extraordinarily reckless," said the couple's spokesman.

"It is concerning enough that certain European paparazzi appear unwilling to respect the privacy of children at school," he added.

"But to behave in this manner in these particular circumstances, and so soon after the incident at RAF Fairford, demonstrates an extraordinary lack of judgement."

The couple moved their children to the school from a previous one after only two weeks.

It's understood it was prompted by heavy traffic on the journey and the distance travelled putting pressure on the Sussexes' security team.

There is also believed to have been an incident that saw their vehicle convoy disrupted.

Harry and Meghan recently moved back to the UK after years living in California following the prince's decision to step back from royal duties in 2020.

It hasn't been made public which area of the country the couple have chosen to make home.

However, Meghan shared a glimpse of their new life in a recent video that showed them enjoying a countryside walk, jumping in puddles, cycling and fishing.

Harry told Canadian TV it was "great" being back in the UK and said the decision was made for "lots of reasons" - but didn't elaborate.

The move home will allow the King the chance to see Archie and Lilibet far more after having not seen them for years until this summer.

However, any hopes the couple may have of enjoying a "half in, half out" arrangement have been firmly snubbed out by the monarch.

A letter by the Lord Chamberlain at the start of the month made clear they are not working members of the Royal Family and remain private citizens.

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Sources close to the couple said they were "surprised" by the letter and felt they weren't given enough time to clarify certain points.

Meanwhile, the wait goes on for a decision on whether the Sussexes should get taxpayer-funded security in the UK.

The Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) was expected to meet to discuss the issue a few weeks ago.

The behaviour of photographers working for UK outlets or agencies is usually regulated by press watchdogs like IPSO and IMPRESS, but those from abroad are not bound by such rules, unless their actions break the law.

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