
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and their children Archie and Lilibet were meant to attend a memorial held for Prince Philip in the spring, but may not end up making the trip to the U.K. after all.
Page Six has learned that they are considering skipping the event due to an ongoing security dispute.
The Duke of Sussex recently released a statement from his legal spokesperson via royal reporter Omid Scobie on Twitter, which explained that he had been denied British police protection on at least two occasions, despite the security risk he "inherited" simply by being born.
When he last returned to the U.K., for the unveiling of a statue of his mother Princess Diana, "his security was compromised," the statement read. If the duke was willing to take the risk for himself, he isn't willing to put his wife and children at risk with him.
"If Harry goes, he will want to have security for him and his family," a royal source told Page Six. "If and when he decides to go back to the U.K., he needs security."
When the Sussexes retired from royal life and moved to the U.S., they lost their right to British taxpayer-funded security and had to hire their own. However, that American security detail can't be used while in the U.K., where they would need to use police protection instead.
Per the statement, Prince Harry offered to pay for that protection privately, but this request was denied—even though "others who have left public office and have an inherent threat risk receive police protection at no cost to them." That means that, as it stands, he and his family would be left without adequate security were they to make the journey back to the royal's homeland.
Prince Harry "sought a judicial review in September 2021 to challenge the decision-making behind the security procedures" in order for him and his family to be protected should they choose to visit the U.K. in the future.
Full statement from Prince Harry’s legal spokesperson: pic.twitter.com/JU2hS7KKYHJanuary 15, 2022
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
It's Not Too Early to Start Thinking About Festival Fashion
Get inspired for your trip to the desert.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
This Magic Concealer Is My Holy Grail
It works like magic on pimples, under the eyes, *and* around the face.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The Jewelry Trend Report You Need Ahead of Spring
Super-sized pearls, summer camp-core, and more.
By Emma Childs
-
Princess Kate Is a "Textbook Capricorn," Astrologer Says
Can relate.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Royals Probably "Laughed" About Kim Kardashian Buying Princess Diana's Necklace, Expert Claims
It's probably not a big deal to them.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are Likely "Shocked" by the "Negative Pushback" Over 'Spare,' Royal Expert Says
They thought it would be more like the aftermath of Oprah.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Diana Didn't Want to Move Away From England, Her Former Butler Claims
Obviously, we can't ever really know the truth.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
King Charles Will Not Hold "Peace Talks" With Harry and Meghan Before the Coronation, Royal Expert Claims
Oh.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Diana's Butler Responds to Prince Harry Referring to Him as "The Butler" in 'Spare'
Paul Burrell says he's confused and hurt.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Eugenie's New Baby Will Allow the Royal Family to "Put Behind Them a Year of Sorrow and Conflict," Astrologer Says
All good things!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry "Should Have Been Prince William's Wingman," Has Become His "Hitman" Instead, Royal Expert Says
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn