The Duke of Sussex has been in Britain this week for a series of events, but his visit has been overshadowed by an unseemly squabble over whether he could stay at Buckingham Palace. King Charles's team announced that Harry would not be staying at the Palace, despite Harry's team having just announced he had accepted an invitation to do so. There has also been a major row over whether he is entitled to taxpayer-funded security.
Security Dispute
A spokesperson for Harry said the decision of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures not to provide security for his family meant the duke had spent the previous week making “alternative security arrangements”. Only when these were in place was he able to make arrangements for the visit, they added. If he was a full-time working royal, things would be very different, but he is not.
Harry's Demands Criticized
According to an Express opinion piece by Adam Toms, Harry has a nerve to expect the British authorities to say “yes, sir, right away, sir” after hurling artillery at his own family from across the Atlantic since leaving the Firm in January 2020. The renegade prince seems to feel that he still has the right to saunter about and dictate to them. But he cannot expect to enjoy all the trappings, respect and adoration that come with being a member of the Firm if he is not.
Impact on King Charles
What is more, Harry has not thought about the impact that this latest hullabaloo is having on his father. It was understandable that the pair would like to see each other, hopefully to the benefit of their relationship, and Charles seemed to want to make sure that Harry was comfortable during his stay. Another understandable desire. But simply put, the monarch’s second son needs to read the room.
The Palace no doubt wanted his visit to be as seamless as possible – in and out. Harry made sure that this was not the case by kicking up an almighty fuss, and issuing a whiney statement after losing out in his privacy case, calling the whole thing a “complete and obvious whitewash”. Arguments were made from both sides at the High Court, and Mr Justice Nicklin made his decision at the end.
Embarrassing Statement
Harry clearly did not stop to think before issuing his statement containing such an eyebrow-raising allegation given that the court system in this country technically conducts its affairs under the King’s authority. Issuing such a statement is embarrassing enough for Charles. But if it had been issued while Harry was staying at Charles's home, that level of embarrassment would have been off the scale. Withdrawing the offer seemed harsh, but in hindsight it was a very shrewd move.
