Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s upcoming trip to Colombia, aimed at supporting their philanthropic endeavors, has sparked a debate about the true nature of their security concerns and whether they might be more about ego than actual safety.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have notably avoided returning to the UK, citing security concerns. However, royal editor Nathan Kay suggests that their decision might be influenced by personal preferences rather than genuine threats. Writing for the Express, Kay notes, “As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex gear up for their quasi-royal tour of Colombia, concerns have arisen regarding their choice to bypass the UK due to security concerns, potentially causing them to miss the funeral of Harry’s uncle, Sir Robert Fellowes.”
Kay further elaborates that the UK’s Home Office requires Prince Harry to give 28 days’ notice before arriving in the country to allow for adequate security arrangements. However, he questions the legitimacy of this concern, stating, “But does this mean he’s unable to visit the UK without it? I have my doubts.”
Pointing to Prince Harry’s history of making spontaneous trips to the UK, Kay challenges the idea that security is the primary reason for the Sussexes’ avoidance of the country. “When news broke of King Charles’ cancer diagnosis, Prince Harry managed to fly to the UK within days, offering his support to his father and returning to the United States within 48 hours. Likewise, his attendance at the late Queen’s funeral was arranged with little notice, suggesting that when the matter is sufficiently urgent, the security concerns are either minimized or successfully managed,” Kay writes.
This raises the question of why Prince Harry continues to push for upgraded security measures from the Home Office. Kay speculates, “Is it because he feels inadequate with a downgraded protection team now that he’s stepped away from the Royal Family? RAVEC seems to provide adequate security for him while he is in England, suggesting that the issue might be more about personal ego than about actual security concerns.”
As the Sussexes prepare for their Colombia trip, these lingering questions about their motivations and the real reasons behind their security concerns continue to fuel speculation and debate. Is their avoidance of the UK truly about safety, or is there more to the story?