Earl Spencer has been urged to use profits from his upcoming book to fund Prince Harry's security, in a sharp rebuke from royal commentator Kinsey Schofield. Speaking on Talk TV, Schofield criticised the Earl for making money from his late sister, Princess Diana, and suggested that if he truly cares about Harry's safety, he should pay for it himself.
Royal expert criticises memoir profits
Schofield told Talk TV that if Spencer is "making millions and millions of dollars off your dead sister," then "the least you can do is fund Harry's security." The comments follow the Earl's recent remarks that Harry and Meghan should receive official security because of how the media treats them, similar to the treatment Diana faced before her death.
Speaking to the BBC, Earl Spencer said: "I would say that I personally worry about the fifth in line to the throne who's served in the military not having any police protection." He told Laura Kuenssberg: "From a security aspect, as an uncle who's seen his sister die in very, very preventable circumstances, I would veer towards protection."
Security review after Sussexes' return
The Earl added that tabloid treatment of Diana, Harry, and Meghan could be "really, really unpleasant," making it "beholden on people" to learn from the past. His comments come after the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) met last week to decide whether the Sussexes qualify for state-funded security following their move to the UK.
The couple recently switched Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet's school after just two days due to security concerns. Harry's automatic high-level security was removed when he stepped away from his role as a working royal in 2020.
On his return to the UK in late August, the King made clear that the couple would not be able to use the titles "His and Her Royal Highness" and remain "private citizens," according to a letter sent on behalf of Charles by the Lord Chamberlain. The letter added that questions about the reception for the Sussexes, "particularly where recourse to public funds may be required, should be directed to Buckingham Palace."
Earl Spencer's stance on both princes
Speaking about William and Harry, Earl Spencer said: "I'm on my deceased sister's sons' side, both of them. And if either of them wanted anything, then I'd be equally there for them. And I never get involved in one camp or the other, except as a benign figure, I hope."
On Talk TV, hosted by Jeremy Kyle, the broadcaster said he "can't believe" that Harry and Spencer aren't in "cahoots." Schofield added that the Earl said "both princes were aware what I was going to write," although broadcasters doubted William would have allowed the damning statements about his father to be released.
