Although it was expected for Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and their children Archie and Lilibet to return to the UK this spring, it seems their plans are up in the air now due to ongoing issues surrounding security.
According to Page Six, they might skip out on the memorial for Prince Philip if the legal dispute with the British government over police protection for their family does not get resolved soon. As we previously reported, the 37-year-old prince opened up about the legal matter in a statement via a legal spokesperson, saying he’s seeking a judicial review after the Home Office denied his request to pay for security for his loved ones during visits to the country not once, but twice.
When the Sussexes exited their roles as senior working members of the royal family and moved to California, they lost their right to taxpayer-funded security and ended up hiring their own. However, their security team from the US would have no authority in the UK. So per the statement, Harry offered to foot the cost for police protection – but it was dismissed even though “others who have left public office and have an inherent threat risk receive police protection at no cost to them.”
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Basically, they would be left without proper security whenever they traveled back to the Duke of Sussex’s homeland if the decision doesn’t change – and he understandably isn’t willing to take the risk because it’s just too unsafe for them. While they may have given up their titles, that doesn’t discount the fact they’re still HIGHLY known — and there’s obviously controversy surrounding them among the British public. So yeah, we wouldn’t feel too safe either!
Sadly, this means Harry, Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet will be missing out on some important family events – including Prince Philip’s memorial. A source stated to Page Six:
“If Harry goes, he will want to have security for him and his family. If and when he decides to go back to the UK, he needs security.”
While the pair have not revealed their travel plans for the year, it was believed they would all reunite with the royals for the first time since they moved to the states. The family reportedly talked about the decision before the holidays, with Prince Charles even offering to have the foursome stay with him.
The Mirror reports that the Prince of Wales desperately wants to spend quality time with his youngest son’s kids, especially since he hasn’t even met his 7-month-old granddaughter yet. A source explained to the outlet:
“The Prince of Wales has been saddened that he hasn’t had the opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren, which he really does miss. He is a fantastic grandfather and loves playing the role immensely and it’s certainly fair to say he feels there is something missing from his life without the ability to get to know Harry’s children. This is something he is hoping to remedy which is why he made the gesture for Harry, Meghan, and the children to stay with him if they wanted to, whenever they may come home for a period of time.”
Queen Elizabeth, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte has not met Lilibet in person, as well, so it would be a pretty big deal if Meghan and Harry came over to the UK.
But despite Charles volunteering his place, royal biographer Angela Levin believes the two will most likely refuse since it would be “too awkward” after everything. She told The Sun:
“Of course when you are married your partner has a say in it all and I don’t believe Meghan ever wants to come back here. She would find it very difficult to stay with Prince Charles and the duchess [of Cornwall] because I think she would be quite awkward about it all.”
The expert then praised the future king for extending an olive branch, saying:
“I think Charles is very brave, very honourable and it should really be Harry that apologises to him and try to get back in his good books but I think this looks as though it’s the other way round.”
But who knows what will happen! While there is still a chance for them to return to the UK, it seems like Harry and Meghan will be staying stateside until the issue gets resolved. They certainly have plenty of other things keeping them busy in the meantime, such as trying to build their empire of of 11 companies in Delaware, the DailyMail.com reports. So we shall see!
Thoughts, Perezcious readers? Do you think the royal should just be able to pay for his own security? Let us know your reactions to the situation in the comments (below).
[Image via MEGA/WENN, WENN/Avalon]
The post Prince Harry & Meghan Markle May Not Attend Prince Philip’s Memorial Due To Security Concerns – Despite Charles Offering Them To Stay With Him appeared first on Perez Hilton.