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 Supreme Court. The Duke of Sussex has requested 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 Matt Wilkinson commented on the matter, stating: “RAVEC, the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, has decided that he is not going to get protection in this country and that is an ongoing saga. They are still arguing about whether he should get it or not.” Griffin expressed confusion about Harry’s insistence, adding: “I’m not quite sure why he thinks he should get it.
If he were to come back to live a full life in the Royal Family, he would automatically get that.” Griffin stressed that the UK government carefully assesses the security needs of each visitor, noting that if Harry faced legitimate threats during his visits, he would be provided with protection. “The government is not stupid; it reviews every visit to this country and knows all the threat assessments,” Griffin explained. “If he (Harry) needs protection, he will be provided with protection.”
Griffin also argued that Harry’s security concerns may have been exaggerated, suggesting: “If he was so worried about security, he could have stayed with his father, who has the best security in the country. I think it was just an excuse.”
Royal photographer Arthur Edwards joined the conversation and echoed Griffin’s sentiments, stating: “It was an excuse. He turns up to these trials without security, when he’s suing newspapers or the Home Office for police protection.” Edwards concluded by stating that Harry needs to face reality, saying: “He needs to start seeing things as they really are and apparently he’s not welcome here anymore.”
As Prince Harry continues his legal battle over taxpayer-funded security, his stance has sparked a debate over the responsibilities and privileges associated with his role, especially since he stepped back from official royal duties. The criticism highlights growing frustration within royal circles and the public over Harry’s expectations regarding his status and security in the UK.