LONDON - New photography guidance issued to parents at schools near Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's new home in Britain has drawn criticism from at least one parent, who questioned whether the restrictions were prompted by the arrival of the couple's children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
According to The Mirror, schools that compete in sporting events have reminded parents to photograph only their own children. The notices followed the Sussex family's recent relocation to rural England and reports that Meghan's telephone number had been shared in a parents' WhatsApp group.
One school emphasized "the importance of only taking photos of your own children" in a letter distributed this week. There is no confirmation that Harry or Meghan requested the guidance, although its timing has prompted speculation among some parents.
"It can't be a coincidence that these notices are going out now just after Harry and Meghan have moved their children into the local area," one parent told The Mirror, describing the reminders as "complete overkill."
The parent argued that families already understand the need to respect children's privacy and expressed concern that the measures could signal further changes to ordinary school activities. The Mirror reported that similar guidance had been circulated at neighboring schools whose pupils participate in interschool sports.
The controversy follows another disruption to the Sussex children's education. Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, recently transferred to a school closer to the family's temporary home after security concerns emerged over their original commute.
The family's security team had reportedly assessed the initial journey during the summer holidays, when roads were considerably quieter. Once the autumn term began, congestion around Oxford sometimes extended the anticipated 30-minute drive to approximately an hour.
A source close to the couple described the family as "sitting ducks" when their vehicles became trapped in heavy traffic. Following discussions with security advisers, Harry and Meghan moved both children to another school a short distance from their countryside residence.
Their arrival has attracted attention within the local community. One parent described seeing two four-wheel-drive vehicles traveling along the country lane before the couple, their children and security personnel emerged near the school entrance.
The parent told The Mirror that local families maintain a cooperative atmosphere and regularly volunteer at school events. They expressed hope that Harry and Meghan would become involved in school activities and the surrounding community.
The relocation comes as Harry continues seeking changes to his publicly funded police protection in Britain. The Home Office has agreed to conduct another assessment of the security risks facing the prince and his family following their return from the United States.
Despite the reported difficulties surrounding the school transition, Harry recently offered an upbeat account of his children's adjustment to British life. Speaking after a charity skydive near Toronto, he said, "The kids are happy in school, and it gives me a chance to really focus on Invictus in Birmingham."
Harry also discussed their adjustment during the WellChild Awards in London, describing how Archie and Lilibet had experienced the usual reluctance to start another school week. He said he had encouraged them by discussing the seriously ill children and families he would meet at the event.
