Prince Harry"does not feel safe" bringing his children to the U.K. following the loss of his taxpayer funded police protection, his legal team told the High Court in London on Friday.
Speaking at a preliminary hearing to have the protection reinstated — which Prince Harry did not attend in person — the Duke of Sussex’s attorney Shaheed Fatima expressed Harry’s concerns over the security arrangements put in place when he andMeghan Marklestepped back from royal duties inJanuary 2020.
This means that if the Duke and Duchess of Sussex return to the U.K. with sonArchie Harrison, 2, and daughterLilibet Diana, 8 months, they will not be entitled to state-funded protection and the deep level of security intelligence that comes with it.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty
“This claim is about the fact that the claimant does not feel safe when he is in the U.K. given the security arrangements that were applied to him in June 2021 and will continue to be applied to him if he decides to come back,” Fatima said at the Royal Courts of Justice, reportsThe Guardian.
“And, of course, it should go without saying that he wants to come back: to see family and friends and to continue to support the charities that are so close to his heart,” the lawyer added. “Most of all, this is, and always will be, his home.”
Prince William and Prince Harry.Dominic Lipinski - WPA Pool/Getty
Prince Harry’s concerns are believed to date back to his most recent visit to the U.K. in July 2021, when he joined brotherPrince Williamfor theunveiling of a statueto their mother,Princess Diana, in the gardens of Kensington Palace.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.Chris Jackson/Getty
His application has particular resonance in 2022 as Prince Harry and Meghan may visit the U.K. to celebrate the historicPlatinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne, for his grandmother,Queen Elizabeth, 95.
Prince Harry.Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Global Citizen VAX LIVE
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The issue of security is, however, a thorny one for the U.K. government. At present, only the Queen,Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William andKate Middletonreceive 24-hour police protection.
Other “working” royals such as Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, only receive state protection when they carry out official engagements.
Meanwhile, the Queen’s grandchildren (includingZara Tindall,Princesses BeatriceandPrincess Eugenie) do not receive any government-funded protection at all, whilePrince Andrewlost his own right to protection when he stepped back from royal duties in November 2019.
source: people.com
