Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
PARENTS IN REVOLT OVER ROYAL SCHOOL
Security ‘will spoil laid-back vibe’
THE school where Prince William’s children will start in 11 days is facing an angry backlash from parents over beefed-up security.
George, nine, Charlotte, seven, and four-year-old Louis enrolled at Lambrook School near Ascot, Berks, after William and Kate’s move to nearby Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.
But parents of other pupils fear measures to keep the royals safe will disrupt the relaxed vibe.
One mum told the Sunday Mirror: “A lot of parents are p***ed off.
“They’re worried the feel and atmosphere of the school will change with all the security. Many of us worry things like the carol service will now become more formal and won’t be the sweet, laid-back affair they usually are.”
George and Charlotte were previously at Thomas’s Battersea, in South
West London, where it is understood they had discreet protection from armed royal officers. In June 2018, a man pleaded guilty to plotting terror attacks that included targeting the primary. And a woman caused a major security scare in 2017 after revealing she was able to stroll in after the gate and a main entrance door were left open.
George, third in line to the throne, and Charlotte will attend prep, while Louis will go to pre-prep.
The concerned mum added: “Parents are picturing armed police in trees and in the corridors – they don’t want their kids witnessing it.
“There are no electric gates, but that may change with the royal kids coming. It’ll no longer be so easy to come and go.
“It’s certainly not the same school and vibe we signed the kids up for, and most parents I’ve spoken to feel the same.”
Lambrook, in 52 acres, is considered one of the country’s best co-ed preps.
Two of Queen Victoria’s grandsons were among its first pupils. Other alumni include Stormbreaker star Alex Pettyfer, poet Lord Alfred Douglas – lover of Oscar Wilde – and Majestic Wine founder Giles Clarke.
Its 620 places for ages three to 13 cost up to £6,999 a term – bringing William and Kate’s bill to more than £50,000 a year. The school was invited to comment.