Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, like many of us in the U.S., spent Memorial Day weekend taking in the sun, sitting poolside with their family, and...spotting a small drone flying just a couple feet above their head? Okay, most families didn't have to deal with that last one, but Meghan and Harry did. In a horrible invasion of privacy on Memorial Day, a drone was reported flying just a mere 20 feet over their residence in LA, capturing footage of their small family get-together. The worst part? This wasn't the first time.
According to the Daily Beast, at least five drone-related incidents have been reported to the LAPD's non-emergency line made by the couple. The incidents took place at their home on May 9, 19, 20, 21, and 25, and were all reported to the authorities. A report for the Memorial Day attack said that "a drone was flying over residences" and that it is "an ongoing drone issue," according to a spokesperson from the LAPD.
The drones are believed to be controlled by paparazzi, who most recently took photos of the couple hanging out poolside with Archie on Memorial Day and have also taken videos of the former ex-royals outside with their dog. Despite their assumption that the paparazzi are operating them, the royal couple have to treat the drones as potential terrorist threats, a source close to the couple said to the Daily Beast.
"They see these drones coming in at them, and they guess that they are being operated by photographers, but they can't just assume that," the friend said. "Meghan received racist death threats at the time of her wedding, so the terror threat is very real for them."
After all, people can go out and purchase a drone for under $1,000 and not have it registered with the Federal Aviation Administration, allowing them to photograph or record photos of the family and having the footage transferred to their phone in a matter of minutes. (Why you wouldn't use your new toy to make a viral TikTok instead of invading people's privacy, I'll never understand.)
The friend continued to the publication: "Imagine if you were in their shoes facing that, how that would feel? To have drones buzzing around 20 feet above your head when you are trying to play with your son?"
The couple is currently in the process of hiring their own security team, according to The Sun. They's currently using the security staff who work the mansion they are staying in, which is owned by Tyler Perry.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Bianca Rodriguez is the Fashion & Luxury Commerce Manager at Hearst Magazines, covering fashion, beauty, and more for Cosmopolitan, Elle, Esquire, Harper’s BAZAAR, and Town & Country. She likes lounging about with a good book and thinks a closet without platform sneakers is a travesty.
-
Prince Harry and King Charles' Relationship Is "Terminally Damaged" After King Declines to See His Son During U.K. Visit: Expert
It's admittedly not looking good.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Lily Allen Resented Elton John for Years, But There Are No Hard Feelings Now
This is too funny.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Hilary Duff Welcomes 3rd Child With Husband Matthew Koma
Townes is her fourth child overall.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
British Royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's Husband Has Died at 45
Lady Gabriella is King Charles' second cousin.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published