Prince Harry is reportedly still planning to bring his wife Meghan and their two children to the UK this month, but uncertainty remains over whether the Duchess of Sussex and their children Archie and Lilibet will accompany him unless security arrangements are put in place. TalkTV presenter Kevin O'Sullivan addressed the latest reports during Tuesday's edition of his show, where he made a bombshell claim.
Kevin O'Sullivan's Bombshell Claim
The broadcaster claimed Harry wanted to meet with his father, King Charles, but by bringing Archie and Lilibet this would guarantee police protection. Kevin said: 'I think this was the plan all along. It was to build King Charles up and Britain, to the idea that our King is finally going to get to see his grandchildren again. Then to whip that away from the King and the nation saying, well, you still won't give me that gun guard or police armed protection that I need, that I demand, so I'm not going to bring Meghan and the kids back.'
Security Concerns and Royal Protection
The prince has raised concerns about the level of police protection when he is in the UK. The duke will not receive senior royal protection for his upcoming visit; however, his family have been offered accommodation on a royal estate, which would come with security already in place. Kevin suggested Harry's demand for protection and not bringing his children to the UK will leave the King heartbroken.
The broadcaster went on: 'I think Harry actually thought that if he could set up this meeting between his kids, Archie and Lilibet and the King, that the security he demanded would suddenly fall into place. But of course, the authorities here have said, look, it doesn't make any difference. You're not getting an armed guard. British taxpayers are not going to pay for police protection for you. You're not a frontline royal.'
'Despicably Cruel' Move
The presenter dubbed the move 'despicably cruel'. Prince Harry has previously said he wouldn't bring his wife and children to the country without improved security arrangements. He told the BBC last year: 'I can't see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK at this point.'
Official Responses
Harry's team has argued that he has not been offered a level of security proportionate to the risk - and they have questioned whether the potential threat has been adequately assessed. His spokesman said: 'Prince Harry's programme in the United Kingdom includes both public and private engagements across the country. Safe accommodation is only one element of an effective protective security plan because risk follows the person, not the place.'
The government said it will not comment on specific security arrangements for high-profile figures, but a spokesman said it would be 'rigorous and proportionate'. 'It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals' security,' the spokesman added.
