ROYALSPrince Harry & Meghan Markle May Miss Prince Philip's Memorial If Sussexes Are Not Given Proper Security, Spills Source
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's security battle continues.
As reported by OK!, The Duke of Sussex is seeking an appeal following the British government's refusal to allow him to pay for police protection ahead of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee in June. Now, it seems that might not be the only event Harry and Meghan may be missing out on.
Insiders told Page Six that the Sussexes may not attend Prince Philip's upcoming memorial service if the security issue is not resolved.
The service will take place this spring and would serve as the perfect opportunity for Harry and Meghan to introduce their daughter, Lilibet, to the royals. And while the couple's reunion with the royals would be a huge step in their strained relationship, Harry doesn't want to risk the safety of his family.
"If Harry goes, he will want to have security for him and his family. If and when he decides to go back to the U.K., he needs security," a source told the publication.
- Royal Expert Suspects Queen Elizabeth II Is Not 'Going To Go Up Against The Government' Over Prince Harry's Security Bid
- Royal Expert Claims Queen Elizabeth II 'Holds The Cards' Regarding Prince Harry's Fight For Security, Suspects The Sussexes 'Will Receive Appropriate Protection' For The Jubilee
- Royal Commentator Suggests Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Should Not Attend Prince Philip's Memorial: 'All Eyes Will Be On Them'
The outlet noted that the royal couple has not announced any official travel plans for 2022. Sources explained Meghan and Harry's private security team in the U.S. does not have any authority in the U.K.
According to Sky News, the service of thanksgiving will celebrate Philip's life and will take place in Westminster Abbey. The date and guest list do not appear to have been confirmed yet. (The Duke of Edinburgh passed away in April at the age of 99.)
Harry released a statement about his bid for security over the weekend. He explained that while he and the Suits alum pay for their own security, the team "cannot replicate the necessary police protection needed whilst in the U.K."
According to the statement, Harry "inherited a security risk" when he was born, and his family has been on the receiving end of, "well-documented neo-Nazi and extremist threats," over the years. The statement noted that the U.K. will always be Harry's home, and he wants his wife and children to be safe when visiting. However, "the lack of police protection, comes too great a personal risk."
Harry's most recent trip to the U.K. was in July when he and Prince William unveiled a statue of their mother, Princess Diana. According to Harry's statement, his security was "compromised due to the absence of police protection" at the time. Prior to that, the father-of-two attended his grandfather's funeral.
