Harry and Meghan's Security Demands Called 'Blackmail' Amid Potential UK Exit

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly considering a return to California if their demand for taxpayer-funded security in the United Kingdom is denied, a situation described as "akin to blackmail" by royal commentators. The couple's potential ultimatum comes shortly after their arrival in Britain and is seen by some as an attempt to pressure an ongoing Home Office review.

Richard Eden, Diary Editor for the Daily Mail, stated on the latest "Palace Confidential" program that the couple's reported threat is a tactic to elicit security payments. "My goodness, that makes the whole thing seem like... some sort of blackmail," Eden commented, suggesting the couple's stance implies, "We'll move to Britain in an attempt to get the taxpayers to pay for security."

Eden further argued that granting the Sussexes, who King Charles III has recently reiterated are private citizens, the same level of security as working royals would be "outrageous." Harry lost automatic taxpayer-funded security in 2020 after he and Markle stepped back from official royal duties and moved abroad. Their attempts to overturn this decision in the courts were unsuccessful, but their recent return to the UK has prompted a fresh review.

The implications of granting security, Eden explained, could extend to the couple receiving protection in America, potentially involving U.S. taxpayers. "So those hard pressed taxpayers in the US might find that they're having to pay for security too," he noted. "Harry and Meghan would be absolutely thrilled. They'd have these huge costs paid for by someone else."

The panel also discussed the possibility of the Sussexes being classified as internationally protected persons if the review favors them. This status, similar to that of diplomats, would obligate other countries to provide them with security during international travel. The Sussexes maintain that Harry, as the King's son and a veteran of service in Afghanistan, faces threats comparable to other senior royals and thus deserves similar protection.

However, Eden pointed out that other members of the royal family, such as the King's siblings, do not receive continuous taxpayer-funded security unless carrying out official duties. Sarah Vine, a columnist, predicted that Harry might eventually return to some form of official duties as a condition for receiving security, suggesting he could perform them alone if Markle preferred not to be involved.

Royal biographer Robert Hardman offered a different perspective, asserting that security decisions should be based solely on threat assessments, not on a transactional basis. "I don't think it can be on the basis of, you get an extra copper with an earpiece if you cut a few ribbons," Hardman said. "The people judging security are not interested in plaque unveilings, ribbon cuttings and hospital openings. They're just interested in the threat, and I think that's how it'll be decided."