Prince Harry, Meghan Markle blast 'extraordinarily reckless' paparazzi invasion at kids' UK school
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are firing back after two photographers were spotted walking around the perimeter of the U.K. school attended by their children, with the couple accusing the photographers of an "extraordinarily reckless" intrusion.
Two young men carrying backpacks were spotted by private security and school staff, stopping at various points and looking into the grounds, Fox News Digital has learned.
The men were initially seen separately before later being spotted together. They then returned to a white van that police determined was a rental vehicle.
The men were subsequently identified as international photographers working for a European press agency.
The incident is particularly sensitive given the school population. In addition to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, the school is attended by American children whose families are connected to a nearby U.S. military installation at an RAF base.
The incident also occurred approximately 48 hours after a separate incident involving three suspicious vehicles near RAF Fairford.
A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex criticized the photographers' conduct in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital.
"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."
The statement continued, "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."
The spokesperson concluded, "Whatever photographs they may have been seeking, this was not only an unacceptable intrusion into the privacy of all children; it was an irresponsible and ill-considered way to conduct themselves in the vicinity of a school."
The Sussexes' spokesperson characterized the episode as "an unacceptable intrusion into the privacy of children."
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The RAF Fairford incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, Sept. 27, when police responded to reports of three suspicious vehicles near the Gloucestershire air base used by the U.S. Air Force.
Five men were arrested in the Whelford area. According to a news release from the Metropolitan Police, the suspects were initially detained on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act before being further arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act under the Terrorism Act.
The school incident comes as Harry and Meghan navigate a new chapter for their family in Britain.
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned to the U.K. last month after spending six years living in California.
Their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, recently started school in England. The Sussex children switched schools just two days into the term, with security and logistical concerns surrounding their daily commute prompting the change, according to People.
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In August, it was announced that the couple had decided to return to Britain for an extended stay beginning later that month.
The move does not signal a return to royal duties. Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior working royals in 2020 and have not resumed those roles.