Prince Harry’s spokesman slams ‘reckless’ paparazzi tactics at kids’ school

Prince Harry's spokesman has strongly criticized the behaviour of two press photographers spotted outside his children's school in the UK, describing their actions as "extraordinarily reckless". The spokesperson noted a clear distinction between legitimate media activity and photographers who intrude on private spaces, such as walking the perimeter of a school, peering into grounds, and monitoring children.

Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, returned to the UK from the US last month after six years, settling in the Cotswolds. Their children, Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, are currently enrolled at a UK school. The spokesperson expressed concern over European paparazzi seemingly disregarding the privacy of children at school. Harry and Meghan had moved back to Britain following their decision to step back from their roles as working members of the monarchy, amid a public dispute with his family.

Reports indicate that two young men with backpacks and a white van were seen by security personnel and school staff, walking the school perimeter and observing pupils, sometimes separately and at other times together before returning to the van. Police later confirmed the vehicle was a rental and the men were international photographers contracted by a European press agency.

The incident occurred earlier in the week. Police in southwestern Gloucestershire, including parts of the Cotswolds, declared a "major incident" on Sunday following the arrest of five men suspected of explosives and terror offences near RAF Fairford, a US Air Force base. The spokesman emphasized that their actions, especially given the proximity to the RAF Fairford incident, demonstrated a profound lack of judgment.

He stressed that regardless of the photographs they may have sought, this was an unacceptable intrusion into the privacy of children and an irresponsible, ill-considered approach to their conduct near a school. The British press has so far complied with Harry's request to respect the children's privacy.