Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's return to Britain after years in the United States has hit an early snag, with the couple encountering significant difficulties in their attempt to reintegrate into life in the kingdom.
According to a report published Tuesday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were forced to withdraw their children from the new school where they had been placed at the start of the academic year, citing concerns for their personal security.
The security arrangements for Harry and Meghan have repeatedly made headlines following their demand to receive protection befitting members of the royal family, despite King Charles's decision to strip them of their status as "working royals." In other words, the couple are still considered royals by virtue of their bloodline, but are not entitled to special privileges since their actions no longer represent the British monarchy.
The report indicates that the Sussex family's private security team was concerned that the distance and heavy traffic congestion along the original school commute route made adequate protection difficult to maintain.
A statement issued on behalf of the couple said they "remain grateful to all the teachers and staff for the love, care and effort they showed their family," emphasizing that "this decision should in no way be interpreted as a reflection on the school or the exceptional care the children received there."
According to the report, London's notorious traffic jams prevented the parents from being able to transport the children with an additional vehicle designated for their security, forcing them to switch schools quickly — within just two days.
A source close to the couple added that "the decision for the children to move schools was made after discussion with the family's security team regarding the practical aspects of their current arrangements."
The BBC further reported that the family is expected to undergo a new security assessment that will examine their eligibility for public funding for their protection as threatened private citizens, following the King's recommendation not to grant them special privilege.
The couple have two children: Archie, and Lilibet, named after her late great-grandmother the Queen. It now remains to be seen whether the parents and two children qualify for security under the dry criteria, including examination of travel hours, routes and additional parameters.
Tuesday evening, the Duchess of Sussex posted a birthday greeting to her husband Harry, who is celebrating his 42nd birthday. Despite reports of difficulties between the couple, for now it appears the two are at least trying to project a stable partnership.
