Harry’s legal representative said in the statement, “During his last visit to the UK in July 2021 – to unveil a statue in honor of his late mother – his security was compromised due to the absence of police protection, whilst leaving a charity event.”
A U.K. government spokesperson told Reuters that the government’s protective security system was “rigorous and proportionate,” and that it was its long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on any arrangements, as this could compromise individuals’ security. They also said it would be “inappropriate” to comment in detail on any legal proceedings, the news wire reported.
A bombshell interview featuring Oprah Winfrey that aired last March, Meghan said that while she was pregnant with Archie, she was told that he “won’t be given security” or a royal title. It’s like it’s OK, well, Archie needs to feel safe. So we aren’t saying “Don’t give him security” or “Don’t make her a princess, prince, or whatever.” The duchess added. We haven’t made this tabloid monster around them, but if you think the title will affect their protection then that’s not true. This is what you’ve done, and it means that our son must be protected.”
Harry’s legal representative said that the duke “first offered to pay personally for U.K. police protection for himself and his family in January of 2020 at Sandringham,” referring to his grandmother Queen Elizabeth IIEngland is a country where he calls home.
The offer was rejected. He remains willing to cover the cost of security, as not to impose on the British taxpayer,” the legal representative continued. “The goal for Prince Harry has been simple – to ensure the safety of himself and his family while in the UK so his children can know his home country.”
They added, “After another attempt at negotiations was also rejected, he sought a judicial review in September 2021 to challenge the decision-making behind the security procedures, in the hopes that this could be re-evaluated for the obvious and necessary protection required. Prince Harry will remain in the UK as his country of residence and where he hopes to keep his family safe. The lack of protection from the police poses too much risk to one’s safety.
“Prince Harry hopes that his petition – after close to two years of pleas for security in the UK – will resolve this situation,” the duke’s legal representative said. We feel the need to issue a statement stating that it is due to information leaked in U.K. tabloids.
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