His spokesperson said that Harry wants his children “to know his home country” but that the Sussexes “have been subjected to well-documented neo-Nazi and extremist threats”, meaning their private security team has inadequate resources to protect them. Pointing out that the Duke of Sussex is sixth in line to the throne and served two tours in Afghanistan, the spokesperson says that Harry “inherited a security risk at birth, for life.” Harry and Meghan stopped receiving taxpayer-funded protection when they stepped back as senior royals in 2020. But Harry’s request to pay for police protection out of his own pocket has been refused by the Home Office. In their statement, the spokesperson said “In the absence of such protection, Prince Harry and his family are unable to return to his home.” They went on, “The duke first offered to pay personally for UK police protection for himself and his family in January of 2020 at Sandringham. That offer was dismissed. He remains willing to cover the cost of security, so as not to impose on the British taxpayer. As is widely known, others who have left public office and have an inherent threat risk receive police protection at no cost to them. “The goal for Prince Harry has been simple – to ensure the safety of himself and his family while in the UK so his children can know his home country.” The statement refers to Harry’s visit to the UK in June 2021, when he and Prince William unveiled a statue of their late mother Princess Diana on what would have been her 60th birthday. They said the duke’s safety was “compromised” while leaving that event. Harry’s grandmother Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Platinum Jubilee in June. The legal bid has now raised questions over whether Harry and Meghan and their children Archie and Lili will be able to safely travel to the UK for the four-day holiday weekend. Next up, Happy Birthday, Kate! The Duchess of Cambridge Turns 40—See Her Best Looks Through Her 20s and 30s
