Prince Harry has faced criticism for what some have called his “unreasonable expectation” regarding security arrangements ahead of his upcoming visit to the UK. The Duke of Sussex is set to return next week for a High Court hearing against News Group Newspapers.
Despite a legal battle last year over taxpayer-funded police protection—which he lost—Harry will receive limited security during his visit. Former BBC correspondent Jennie Bond weighed in on the matter, suggesting that Harry’s decision to turn down an offer to stay at Buckingham Palace was a “mistake.”
“I think he will be mildly annoyed that he is not being given full police protection, but this is a step in the right direction as far as he is concerned,” Bond told The Mirror. “I think it is a PR mistake to turn down accommodation at Buckingham Palace, where security is guaranteed and already paid for.”
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She added, “It seems unreasonable to expect police protection around a hotel just because he chooses to turn down a perfectly good offer of secure accommodation.” Notably, Harry will be traveling alone, as his wife Meghan Markle, and their children, Archie and Lilibet, will not accompany him.
Bond speculated that Harry’s reluctance to bring his family stems from ongoing concerns about security. “I still don’t think he will feel comfortable bringing Meghan and the children here unless there is a guarantee of full police protection. And I suspect Meghan has no particular desire to come back here anyway,” she said.
The royal expert also addressed the strained relationships within the royal family, stating that no meetings with family members are expected during Harry’s visit.
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“I think we’ve given up expecting any meeting between Harry and his family when he visits the UK,” Bond noted. “I imagine that his days will be consumed by the court case, but if there is a chance of meeting his father, I suppose it is possible.” However, she added that there is “absolutely no sign of any reconciliation” between Harry and Prince William.
Harry’s visit to the UK comes against a backdrop of ongoing tensions within the royal family, with no clear signs of resolution in sight. His decisions regarding security and accommodation have only fueled further scrutiny and debate.