As the world eagerly awaits the coronation of Prince Charles as the next king, the royal family is grappling with a thorny security issue involving Prince Harry. Rumblings of discontent are already being heard regarding Harry’s security arrangements as he prepares to attend the coronation ceremony. There are growing concerns about the risks, particularly given Harry’s recent interviews, and some are now calling for him to be put under house arrest. But is this the right move? In this article, we take a closer look at the brewing security row and what the future holds for the Duke of Sussex on this historic occasion.
Prince Harry’s ongoing legal battle with the Home Office over the stripping of security for him and his family during UK visits could result in him living under “house arrest” during his next trip to attend King Charles’ coronation, warns a royal security expert. According to Dai Davies, former head of the Met Police’s royal protection unit, Prince Harry could end up spending all his time away from the coronation. Stating that Prince Harry may have to provide his own privately funded bodyguards if he takes part in any social activity outside the main events, The Mirror reported that he could be “cooped up inside his Frogmore Cottage property on the Windsor Castle estate if he’s not prepared to stump up the cash for his own private security.”
In 2020, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle quit their royal roles and moved to the United States. It was earlier reported that Prince Harry has been told that he will have security while attending events with the royal family during the coronation. The similar practice was followed during Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September.
However, Davies warns that if Prince Harry is as concerned about his safety as he has made clear to the High Court, then he faces the prospect of essentially living under house arrest when he’s in the UK. This means that the Duke of Sussex may be restricted from going out in public without security personnel accompanying him at all times.
The situation is not ideal for Prince Harry, who has previously admitted to struggling with the constraints and constant media attention of royal life. In a 2017 interview with Newsweek, he said, “I don’t think any child should be asked to do that, under any circumstances. It’s a tricky balancing act. We don’t want to dilute the magic … The British public and the whole world need institutions like it.”
Prince Harry’s move to the US with his family was seen by many as an attempt to escape from the constant scrutiny and pressure of the British media. However, his ongoing legal battle with the Home Office shows that the issues he faced in the UK have followed him to his new home overseas. In January 2021, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced that they were stepping down from their roles as senior members of the royal family to pursue financial independence and greater privacy. They subsequently signed a multi-year deal with Netflix to produce documentaries, feature films, scripted shows, and children’s programming.
While Prince Harry may be able to afford his own private security, it would not come cheap. According to a report in The Telegraph, hiring a private security firm can cost up to £1,000 ($1,390) a day. This would add up to a significant expense over the course of an extended visit to the UK. Furthermore, with the recent financial troubles faced by the Sussexes’ charitable foundation, it remains to be seen whether they would be willing to bear the cost of private security.
The situation raises concerns about the cost of royal security and whether the British taxpayer should be picking up the tab for more distant members of the royal family. While senior royals like Prince Charles and Prince William have publicly funded security, there have been calls for the UK government to review the provision of security for other royals, particularly those who have stepped back from official duties.
In conclusion, Prince Harry’s ongoing legal battle with the Home Office over the stripping of security for him and his family during UK visits has created a tricky situation for the Duke of Sussex. While he may be able to afford his own private security to attend events with the royal family during King Charles’ coronation, he could end up living under house arrest and may be restricted from going out in public without security personnel accompanying him at all times. This raises concerns about the cost of royal security and whether the British taxpayer should be picking up the tab for more distant members of the royal family.
In conclusion, the idea of imposing house arrest on Prince Harry during the upcoming coronation has sparked a heated debate around the world. While some argue that it is necessary for his safety and security, others question the infringement on his personal freedom and the negative message it sends about the monarchy’s trust in its own family members. Regardless of the outcome, the issue highlights the complex and often delicate relationship between royalty and the public perception of their actions. As we wait to see what decision will be made, one thing is certain: this controversy will continue to capture our attention and ignite passionate discussions long after the coronation day has passed.
