Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been accused of 'laying a trap' for King Charles by accepting accommodation in a royal palace during their forthcoming visit to the UK, while demanding guaranteed police protection for every outing. The couple is expected to visit next month with their children, Archie and Lilibet, in what could be a pivotal moment in their relationship with the Royal Family.
Security Dispute Continues
Harry has been engaged in a long-running dispute over his right to state security when in the UK. He lost a legal battle to have police protection last year. It is reported that the Sussexes are reconsidering bringing the children after it was announced that Harry will once more not be entitled to protection for the entirety of the stay. Police protection would be available while staying on a royal estate, but outside of those times, Prince Harry would have to rely on the private security team travelling with him from California.
Royal Expert's Warning
Speaking on the Daily Mail's Palace Confidential podcast, Royal Editor Richard Eden said: 'To me this seems a bit of a trap frankly. So let's be clear of what's happening, Harry and Megan are saying, "We will stay at a royal residence, but only if each time we leave with our children, we're guaranteed security." So last time Harry was here last September, for example, he was given police protection when he carried out an engagement. On this occasion, they've got lots of different things they want to do, but they're saying unless that's guaranteed, we're not going to stay with you.'
Eden added: 'So to me this feels like a sort of trap because if they get the king in this position or the government in this position where they're guaranteed then in future they can say this is what we expect every time and indeed if we get it in Britain we should get that in America as well. So there's a lot of manipulation going on and it's all quite unedifying.'
Children Used as Leverage
The King has not seen his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, since they travelled to the UK in 2022 for the Queen's jubilee. Amid reports that the couple might not bring their children on the visit over security fears, Eden accused the pair of using the lack of contact between the monarch and the kids to apply pressure. He said: 'I've heard that um they still haven't had the assurances that they want in terms of security. So it's not clear whether they will bring their children or not. So it does seem genuinely that they're using the children, you know, sort of to put pressure on the king.'
