Andrew Neil has delivered a scathing verdict on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's ongoing security dispute, drawing immediate reactions from BBC Newsnight viewers. The seasoned broadcaster did not hold back, questioning why the Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned to Britain without being invited.
Neil's Fiery Comments on BBC Newsnight
Appearing on BBC Newsnight this week, Neil fumed: "I didn't ask them to come back to Britain. Did you? British people didn't ask them to come back to Britain." He continued, "They don't have to be in Britain. We don't really know why they are in Britain. They still have a home in California, and of course if there is any intelligence that leads to a threat to them – and intelligence services will be monitoring all that – they will be alerted, and then they could get some protection, if it was specific!"
Neil concluded: "But in general I think they should pay for their own security, as anybody else has to." His remarks came after the Sussexes, who relocated from Montecito, California, renewed their campaign for taxpayer-funded security. This week, paparazzi were spotted outside Archie and Lilibet's new school, reigniting the debate over whether the couple, as non-working royals, should receive the same protection as the rest of the Royal Family.
Viewers React: Divided Opinions
Viewers rushed to agree with Neil, with one tweeting: "Harry and Meghan after bashing, trashing and selling UK and his family for millions of $$$ want now to feel like some presidents of some important countries, they want blue light security! The audacity this self-glorified and fantasist couple has! Wow!" Another said: "If Harry and Meghan are really concerned about their security. Stop releasing photos on Instagram showing where they are and what they are doing all the time. They court publicity. They thrive on drama. The British public shouldn't have to pay for their circus."
However, others came to the couple's defense. One supporter wrote: "Harry didn't ask to be born a royal. He's the son of the King. He can't change that. His kids, the grandchildren. Yet we protect Andrew. Go figure that one out, Neil." Another added: "Do they need anyone's permission to come back? Remember Charles told the whole world that they are private citizens and as such can go wherever they want without the permission or approval of anyone. Harry is a British citizen & we are granting asylum seekers the right to stay."
