The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly feeling uneasy about taking her children to school amid ongoing uncertainty over the family’s security arrangements, according to a friend.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have returned to the UK with their two children, Archie and Lilibet, after spending six years living in California following their decision to step back from royal duties in 2020.

The Sussexes are believed to be settling in the Cotswolds, where Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, are expected to attend a UK prep school. Their return comes after Harry and Meghan held a private meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla in July.

Although the couple’s exact home has not been officially confirmed, they are thought to be staying at a non-royal property in the Cotswolds.

The decision to move back to Britain is reportedly linked to their wish for their children to receive an education in the UK. Some commentators have also speculated that the King’s ongoing health problems may have played a part in the couple’s decision.

But their return has been overshadowed by Harry’s continuing battle over his security arrangements.

The Duke of Sussex has repeatedly pushed for his security situation to be reassessed by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec). He has now reportedly been given fresh hope after a new review of the terror threat facing his family was ordered.

Sources told the Mirror that the Home Office is “actively assessing” Harry’s case again after he personally wrote to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood requesting a renewed assessment of his security situation.

The uncertainty appears to have affected the family’s first days back in Britain. Harry and Meghan have reportedly barely left their home since arriving in the UK last week.

Meghan is said to be particularly concerned about the practical reality of taking Archie and Lilibet to and from school. A regular school drop-off and pick-up schedule could potentially make the family’s movements easier to predict, raising security concerns.

A friend reportedly told The Sun: “The school run is a tricky issue and I understand they are nervous about it.”

The development comes as Harry continues to seek greater protection for his family. His long-running dispute over publicly funded security has become one of the most contentious issues surrounding his relationship with the UK establishment since he and Meghan stepped down as working royals.

A Government spokesman declined to provide details about the arrangements, saying: “It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals’ security.”