King Charles Cannot Intervene in Security Dispute, Says Former Butler
Former royal butler Grant Harrold has explained why King Charles will not become involved in Prince Harry's ongoing security dispute, stating that the monarch has no control over such matters. The Duke of Sussex had planned to visit the UK with his wife Meghan Markle and their children, Archie and Lilibet, but the Duchess and children will no longer travel after being denied police protection.
Home Office and Met Police Hold Authority
Speaking to GB News, Harrold told hosts Anne Diamond and Stephen Dixon that the King "has got no control over that kind of thing." He elaborated: "That's the Home Office, that's the Met. I mean, he's not going to get involved in that. He could contact them and say, 'look, do you think you could', but that's not really what he's supposed to be doing. He's got to leave that to the powers that be to make those decisions, and he gets advised on it."
Security Decisions Made on Case-by-Case Basis
Harrold noted that Prince Harry's security appears to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. "It's just not an automatic guarantee, and that's what the fight's about," he said. However, he added: "But I would have thought on this visit, it's most likely that he would have had it."
Meghan Markle Reluctant to Visit UK
Host Anne Diamond suggested that Meghan Markle may not wish to come to the UK, noting: "The children apparently have very strong American accents. They don't really know they're British, frankly, and that's that. She doesn't want to come." Harrold agreed, saying it "does seem like it's an excuse not to have to come with the family." He expressed sadness that the King has not seen his grandchildren in four years, adding: "It's unfair on him, because you know the children have done nothing wrong in this, and they should have the right to see their grandparents."
