Prince Harry has been urged to accept that he is no longer entitled to taxpayer-funded security during his visits to the UK, following his ongoing legal battle with the UK High Court. The Duke of Sussex is appealing for state-funded security whenever he returns to the UK, but experts are questioning the validity of his request.
Royal protection officer Dick Griffin, speaking to The Sun’s Matt Wilkinson, commented on the matter, stating, “RAVEC, the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, have decided he’s not going to get protection in this country and that’s an ongoing saga. He’s still arguing about whether he should get it or not.” Griffin expressed confusion over Harry’s insistence, adding, “I’m not quite sure why he thinks he should get it.
If he was coming back to take up a full Royal Family life, he would automatically get it.” Griffin emphasized that the UK government carefully evaluates security needs for every visitor, noting that if Harry faced legitimate threats during his visits, protection would be provided. “The Government is not silly; they review every visit to this country and know all the threat assessments,” Griffin explained. “If he [Harry] needs protection, he’ll be given protection.”
Griffin further argued that Harry’s concerns over security might be overstated, suggesting, “If he’s that worried about security, he could have stuck with his father, who has got the best security in the land. I think it was just an excuse.”
Adding to the conversation, royal photographer Arthur Edwards echoed Griffin’s sentiments, stating, “It was an excuse. He turns up for these court cases without security, when he’s suing newspapers or the Home Office for police protection.” Edwards concluded by asserting that Harry needs to face reality, saying, “He’s got to start seeing things as they really are, and he’s no longer welcome here, it seems.”
As Prince Harry continues his legal battle for taxpayer-funded security, his stance has sparked debate about the responsibilities and privileges associated with his role, especially since stepping back from official royal duties. The criticism highlights growing frustrations within royal circles and the public over Harry’s expectations regarding his status and security in the UK.