Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's complaints about security in the UK have been dismissed after they managed a secret visit to Highgrove House, according to royal expert Richard Kay. Speaking on the Daily Mail's Palace Confidential podcast, Kay said the Sussexes have been able to come and go from the UK 'whenever they like' without public knowledge.
Secret Highgrove Visit Undermines Security Claims
Harry, Meghan, and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet met King Charles at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire on Friday, July 10. The visit was kept tightly under wraps until Buckingham Palace confirmed it that evening. Kay argued this proves the family can travel the UK without press or public attention, contradicting their assertions that tight security is essential.
'They come and go. We don't see photographs of them unless they want to be photographed, and they make such a drama about this, and yet the public don't know,' Kay said. 'By and large, they can slip in and out and all this talk about [Harry] is in danger and he has to have this wraparound security when he's here - well actually anonymity is the best form of security of all.'
Anonymity as Security
Kay emphasized that if nobody knows their whereabouts, no one can cause them harm. He described the Highgrove visit as 'absolutely proof positive' that the Sussexes can drop in and out of the UK as they please. The visit coincided with a Chanel event at Highgrove, which Daily Mail diary editor Richard Eden said allowed the family to enter unnoticed amid the vehicle traffic.
Harry is not entitled to blanket police protection in the UK since stepping down as a working royal. His security is assessed case-by-case by the RAVEC committee, which decides on state-funded protection. Harry has repeatedly argued it is unsafe for his children to visit without protection due to their royal status, but the secret trip suggests otherwise.
'If nobody knows, no one can cause them harm. I know that sounds slightly glib, but I think it's an important part of the whole package,' Kay added.
