The Duke of Sussex's long-running legal battle to secure automatic armed police protection for himself and his family when in the United Kingdom has received a notable, albeit conditional, endorsement from a prominent royal commentator.
The Expert's Stipulation for Taxpayer Funding
Veteran journalist Sarah Vine stated in her Daily Mail column that there is only one scenario where it would be acceptable for the British public to fund security for Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex. That condition is if she accompanies the couple's children, Archie, six, and Lilibet, four, on visits to see their British relatives.
Vine described the situation where the young royals have not met their cousins as "plain wrong." She emphasised that Archie, who is sixth in line to the throne, and his sister deserve to see their family. Their last meeting with their grandfather, King Charles, was in June 2022.
The High-Stakes Security Verdict Awaits
Prince Harry, 41, is awaiting a final decision on his plea for automatic armed protection in the UK. He has consistently argued that current security arrangements are insufficient and act as a major barrier to visiting, making him reluctant to bring his children.
Sources close to the Duke suggest he is confident of a favourable ruling, which they believe "would change everything" regarding the royal landscape. The couple, who stepped back from royal duties and moved to the US in 2020, currently carry out no public engagements for the Crown.
Controversy Over the 'Half-In, Half-Out' Royal Status
The potential ruling has sparked significant controversy. Critics argue that granting state-funded, round-the-clock protection would effectively allow Harry and Meghan to resume a "half in, half out" royal status—enjoying the privileges of state security without performing the corresponding public duties.
Currently, such taxpayer-funded armed protection is reserved for "working royals" like the King's siblings, Princess Anne and Prince Edward, and only during official engagements. Vine argued that outside of facilitating family visits for the children, Meghan should pay for her own security like any other celebrity, noting her considerable commercial success, including reported sales of £27 million worth of a signature product in America.
The debate continues to highlight the complex intersection of family, finance, and public duty within the modern monarchy, with the safety of Prince Harry's young children now central to the argument.
