Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, who are making headlines for their latest interview and upcoming foreign trip, have made a very smart decision regarding their beloved children amid fears for their security.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have decided to keep their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, away from the spotlight due to concerns for their well-being. According to a close friend, Harry is even hesitant to step out with his children because of safety concerns.
The Duke, who is actively fighting for increased security for his family of four, still feels the pain of the 1997 death of his mother, Princess Diana, in a high-speed car chase. This tragic event weighs heavily on him, particularly now that he is a parent.
“Harry has been reluctant to show his children publicly, not out of a desire to hide them but to protect their privacy and safety from potential threats,” a friend tells PEOPLE in this week’s exclusive cover story. “He wants them to lead as normal a life as possible without the fear of kidnapping or harm.”
The insider further explained, “As a dad and husband, Harry is determined to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself.”
Despite the discord, Harry “doesn’t want to fight about this anymore. He wants to have a relationship with his family,” a friend says.
“She wants him to be free of all of this, but she also knows that because of everything he’s been through and his love for [her and their children], he can’t. She wants him to live in a world where he is not burdened by this,” says the former staffer.
Multiple well-placed insiders in Harry’s circle claim that the royal believes the monarch has the power to reinstate his security. However, according to experts, the King does not have the authority to grant him what he wants, as he himself has to follow the law.
The issue has shifted their conversation from frustration to “complete silence” from the King, according to Harry’s friend.
As Meghan and Harry continue to navigate their lives post-royalty, the safety and well-being of their children remain their top priority. Their decision to shield Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet from public scrutiny is a testament to their dedication as parents, striving to provide a secure and normal upbringing for their young ones amidst the challenges they face.