Harry and Meghan's bodyguards only tested route to Archie and Lilibet's new school in summer holidays - before pulling them out of class when convoy 'split up' in heavy traffic on first day of term.
Meghan and Harry pulled their children out of private school after just two days because her security team were alarmed at the heavy term-time traffic, having only tested the route during the summer holidays.
The convoy transporting Archie and Lilibet from their new home became separated during the busy school run, leaving the children 'sitting ducks' in stationary traffic, it emerged today.
Their private protection team were seemingly unable to properly assess the hour-long journey to the unnamed school after the Sussexes announced the move in late August.
One mother with two children at the school said Harry and Meghan's decision to send their children there had been a coup and had excited many parents, but added: 'Parents at the school are completely baffled. You don't need to be an expert to know how congested that area is. It's one of the worst places to drive in the UK.'
Another mother said of the slow school run: 'This was obviously going to happen.'
Former Scotland Yard Chief Superintendent Dal Babu said the 'saga' of pulling their children from their first school in the UK after two days was a sign they had 'rushed' their move.
'It's beggars belief why they haven't thought this through. I don't think he [Harry] has helped himself or the situation by not arranging things in good time,' he said.
Archie and Lilibet, seven and five, spent just 48 hours at the prep school before their parents 'reluctantly' withdrew them on the advice of their security team, who warned that the commute was placing their unit under 'strain'.
Friends of the couple have stressed that the issue was not with the school itself. One source close to them spoke of a worrying incident this week when the Sussexes' vehicles were unable to stay together in convoy.
Prince Harry, whose 42nd birthday was celebrated today in a collection of photos posted on social media by Meghan, was reportedly seen settling Lili into reception, and the couple were added to WhatsApp groups. Parents at the school had also spotted Harry taking one of the children through the gates.
The decision to pull the children out of school came on the same day it emerged that Harry's access to state-funded VIP police protection is being reviewed now they are back in the UK full time.
But a Labour MP suggested that he believes the Sussexes have been left exposed. Mike Tapp, who represents Dover and Deal in Kent, said: 'Nearly three weeks after their arrival, the King's son, Meghan, and their children remain without protection.
'Whatever the eventual outcome, there are serious questions about how this process has been handled. In the cold light of day, there should be a proper review to ensure decisions of this importance are made swiftly, independently and on the basis of risk.'
Archie and Lili will now join another school closer to home after visiting for a taster session.
Harry and Meghan's security are said to be much happier with that choice as the commute is shorter.
The decision to take their children out of their prep school for security reasons was first reported by HELLO! magazine last night.
A spokesman for the Sussexes said: 'The decision for the children to move school was taken following a discussion with the family's security team about the practicalities of their current arrangements.
'The parents remain extremely grateful to all the teachers and staff for the love, care and effort they have shown their family. This decision should in no way be interpreted as a reflection on the school or the exceptional care the children have received there.'
HELLO! then quoted a friend of the couple saying: 'It's a real shame, because they absolutely adored the school, the kids and their parents. It was perfect for them in every way and the children really enjoyed their time there.
'They really wanted to make it work, but they had to make a difficult decision based on the fact that the team couldn't make the school run operationally secure.'
Meghan today posted a series of family photos online to celebrate Harry's birthday, featuring the couple, Archie, Lilibet and their Labrador Pula.
The Duchess of Sussex uploaded the images of the prince with her and their children to her Instagram account with the caption: 'He's simply the best. Happy birthday, my love', along with a heart emoji.
The pictures show Harry on outdoor adventures with the family. He is seen kissing Lilibet in one and carrying her bicycle in another. The duke is also shown driving a quad bike down a track with Lilibet and Archie in the back, sat either side of a Marks & Spencer bag as their dog follows behind.
Tags: Queen, Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince Louis, Prince William and Kate Middleton, Prince Charles, Prince Harry, Meghan, Lilibet
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