Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been urged to rethink their future in the UK following their recent social media posts, which have drawn criticism from a former royal aide. The pair have come under fresh scrutiny since their return to Britain, with ongoing questions surrounding their security provisions and their position within the Royal Family.
Speaking to TalkTV host Jeremy Kyle, former royal press secretary Dickie Arbiter offered a stark assessment of the Sussexes, targeting what he perceives as a glaring inconsistency in their stance on privacy. His remarks followed Meghan's decision to post footage of her children on a countryside stroll, shortly before she and Harry are due to make a joint appearance in Nottingham.
Contrasting royal clips
In the Instagram Story shared on Sunday afternoon, Prince Archie, seven, scooted along a tree-lined rural lane while his five-year-old sister, Princess Lilibet, strolled alongside him. Their Labrador, Pula, also featured in the clip, which was soundtracked by The Temptations' hit My Girl, reports the Express. A group of deer was visible in the distance. Neither Harry nor Meghan featured in the footage.
The upload came after a video emerged showing the Princess of Wales travelling on the London Underground with her daughter, Princess Charlotte, and chatting to members of the public. Jeremy suggested the contrasting clips had fuelled a perceived media rivalry between Catherine and Meghan, asking Arbiter whether the women were competing for public attention. However, Arbiter dismissed the notion that they were locked in a direct battle.
Arbiter's criticism
"No, there is no media war. It's a war being created by the media," he said. He then challenged the Sussexes' approach to sharing family footage while voicing concerns about security. "They are describing what Catherine did, going onto a London Underground with her daughter, and you saw her daughter's face, whereas with Meghan and her children, all you see is the back of their heads," he said.
Arbiter added: "Look, if they're so concerned with security, don't tell people where you are. Don't tell people what you're doing and don't post on social media." He argued that the couple's behaviour appeared at odds with their stated concerns, adding: "It seems to be a double standard and hypocrisy."
Security and return to the UK
Harry's continued push to obtain enhanced protection during UK visits also faced criticism throughout the interview. Arbiter questioned whether the public should foot the bill for security covering the family, given that Harry and Meghan have stepped back from royal duties. "It will upset a lot of people if they are forced to contribute taxpayers' money to provide security to two people, four people, who are not working royals," he said.
He also criticised what he characterised as the couple's demands when returning to Britain. "They failed in the States, they come back here and they expect everything to open up for them. Life's not like that. You don't say 'open sesame' and life falls into the pattern that you want. You've got to work hard for it." He finished with a blunt message to the Sussexes: "And my suggestion is, pack your bags, go back to America."
Harry and Meghan returned to Britain in August after six years living in the United States. They are expected to visit Nottingham together on Thursday, marking their first joint engagement since their return. The city holds special significance for the pair, who made their first joint public appearance there following the announcement of their engagement in 2017. Their visit comes amid ongoing questions about their status and security provisions. Last month, a letter reportedly sent on the King's instruction described the Sussexes as "private citizens", a position said to have caught the couple off guard.
