Harry and Meghan blame ‘extraordinarily reckless’ paparazzi for security scare at children’s school

London — Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex have strongly criticized what they called "extraordinarily reckless" actions by international photographers, which they claim led to a security incident at their children's school. Private security and staff at the school reportedly observed two young men with backpacks, later identified as international photographers, wandering the school grounds and examining the area.

A Sussex spokesperson described the conduct as an "extraordinary lack of judgment" and an "unacceptable intrusion" into the privacy of the children. They emphasized that the incident, occurring in the wake of a prior event at RAF Fairford, demonstrated a troubling disregard for safety and prudence. The spokesperson added that while the photographers might have been seeking photographs, this behavior was not only an invasion of the children's privacy but also an irresponsible approach to handling the situation near a school.

CNN has sought comment from the police. British media outlets have refrained from naming the school or the Sussexes' residence, as requested by the Independent Press Standards Organisation, although such guidelines do not apply to journalists from other countries. Prince Harry has frequently voiced concerns regarding his family's security, even prior to their return to the UK in late August.

Recently, they relocated their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, from a previous school just a few days after the start of the academic year due to security concerns. Upon stepping back from royal duties in 2020, the British government reduced their level of taxpayer-funded security, a move Harry unsuccessfully attempted to overturn in court.

In one of those legal cases, the UK's Home Office argued that wealthy individuals should not be able to purchase protective security from specialized police officers. The Duke has persistently sought additional protection, frequently drawing parallels between his wife's experiences and those of his mother, Princess Diana, who perished in a car accident in 1997 amid relentless paparazzi surveillance.

This latest incident comes as the couple awaits an official risk assessment upon their return to the UK from Montecito, California. They are requested to supply authorities with comprehensive details about their daily routines, including travel habits, addresses frequented, and transportation methods. This information, along with any additional relevant evidence, will be evaluated by a section of the UK's Home Office to determine any necessary adjustments to the perceived level of threat they face. CNN’s Lauren Said-Moorhouse and Lauren Kent contributed to this report.