Sussexes criticise ‘reckless’ paparazzi spotted outside children’s school

Victoria WardWed, September 30, 2026 at 10:18 AM UTC

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The Sussexes’ spokesman said on Wednesday: ‘The decision by photographers to conduct themselves in this way around a school is extraordinarily reckless’ - Media-Mode/SplashNews.com

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have criticised “extraordinarily reckless” international paparazzi who have been seen looking into the grounds of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet’s new school.

A spokesman for the couple accused two male photographers of “unacceptable intrusion into the privacy of children”.

The young men, carrying backpacks, were spotted by both private protection officers and school staff walking round the perimeter of the school, which has not been publicly identified.

They are said to have stopped and looked into the grounds at various points – first separately and then together – before returning to a white van, which police later established was a rental vehicle.

The two men were subsequently identified as international photographers working for a known European press agency.

A fortnight ago, the Duke and Duchess moved Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to a new school over security concerns linked to heavy traffic during the school run

The Sussexes’ spokesman said on Wednesday: “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.

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“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 also an irresponsible and ill-considered way to conduct themselves in the vicinity of a school.”

The school is understood to be attended by a number of American children whose families are connected to a nearby US military installation at an RAF base.

The incident took place approximately 48 hours after an incident involving similar vehicles near RAF Fairford.

A fortnight ago, the Duke and Duchess moved Prince Archie, seven, and five-year-old Princess Lilibet to a new school over security concerns linked to heavy traffic during the school run.

The family’s “convoy” was at times at a standstill in traffic, which sources told The Telegraph had left them feeling like “sitting ducks”.

The Sussexes are awaiting a decision about whether they are entitled to taxpayer-funded police protection.

Their new circumstances, including their daily commutes and new living arrangements, are being assessed by Ravec, the Home Office committee responsible for royal and VIP security.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”