Prince Harry and Meghan brand paparazzi ‘extraordinarily reckless’ for looking into grounds of children’s school

Prince Harry and Meghan brand paparazzi ‘extraordinarily reckless’ for looking into grounds of children’s school - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in International paparazzi who were seen looking into the grounds of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet’s school have been branded “extraordinarily reckless”. The photographers, who are understood to be European, have been accused of an “unacceptable intrusion into the privacy of children”, Prince Harry and Meghan’s spokesperson said. Two young men carrying backpacks are understood to have been seen by both private security and school staff walking the perimeter of Archie and Lilibet’s school, stopping at various points and looking into the grounds. They were initially seen separately and were subsequently observed together before returning to a white van, which police later established was a rental vehicle, with officers later determining they were international photographers. The couple relocated to the UK at the end of August and have enrolled their seven-year-old son and five-year-old daughter at British schools. A spokesman for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: “The decision by photographers to conduct themselves in this way around a school is extraordinarily reckless. “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. “It is concerning enough that certain European paparazzi appear unwilling to respect the privacy of children at school. “But to behave in this manner in these particular circumstances, and so soon after the incident at RAF Fairford, demonstrates an extraordinary lack of judgment. “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 family's return to the UK after six years in the US has been accompanied by public disagreement with Buckingham Palace over their official status, alongside logistical adjustments to their children's education. While the King was said to be pleased to spend time with the family prior to their arrival in August, he reportedly maintained that a half-in, half-out arrangement was off the table, firmly ruling out a return to official royal duties. More follows on this breaking news story Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments