Former Olympic athlete Sharron Davies has criticised Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, saying she does not want her tax money spent on their security. The Sussexes returned to the UK earlier this week, and questions have been raised about who will fund their security.
Labour MPs suggest taxpayer-funded security
Labour MPs have suggested that the Sussexes should receive taxpayer-funded security upon their return, meaning Brits would cover the cost. The suggestion has sparked a major debate online, with Davies, a former BBC commentator, criticising the couple for "slating" the UK and "selling every secret" about the Royal Family, only to have now returned.
Writing on X, the former Gladiators star wrote: "This couple left the UK, slating it & its people at every possible opportunity, selling every secret they could, saying they wanted to live OUT of the spotlight… then proceeded to do the exact opposite." She added: "I do not want my tax pounds spent on them."
Support and opposition from politicians and experts
Dame Emily Thornberry, a senior Labour backbencher, supported the idea of taxpayers funding Harry and Meghan's security. She told The Telegraph: "I would want to be reassured that his family are going to be safe. They deserve to be secure. We have to remember [the Duke of Sussex] has made a contribution to this country through his public service and heroism. He is the son of the King, he has made a big contribution to our country through public service – that puts him and his family at risk."
Labour MP Mike Tapp also agreed, writing on X: "Prince Harry has landed in the UK, apparently with no police protection. Has a decision been made not to provide security? And does that decision stand up to scrutiny? Because if something happens to him or his family, it will need to. Sort it out!"
Royal expert Richard Eden disagreed, claiming the couple should not be granted taxpayer-funded security because they "abandoned their public life". He argued that this type of security is only available to senior royals, such as Princess Anne and Prince Edward "when they are undertaking official duties". Responding to Tapp's post on X, Eden replied: "Is this Labour MP aware that the King's sister and brother receive automatic police protection only when they are undertaking official duties? Harry and Meghan abandoned their public life."
Current security arrangements
Reports suggest the Sussexes were not granted a publicly funded police convoy for their journey to their new home in the Cotswolds on Wednesday (August 26) and are currently relying on their own private security team.
