Duke of Sussex prioritises private arrangements for upcoming UK visit amid protection concerns
The Duke of Sussex is set to return to the UK for his High Court trial against News Group Newspapers, travelling without Meghan Markle or their two children. Harry’s decision to decline Buckingham Palace’s offer of secure accommodations, opting instead for private lodging, has sparked widespread debate.
The trip comes as Harry continues to grapple with limited police protection, granted after losing a legal bid to restore taxpayer-funded security for his UK visits. His refusal to stay at the Palace has drawn criticism, with former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond calling it a “PR misstep.”
Speaking to The Mirror, Bond remarked, “The Palace provides top-level security at no extra cost. Choosing private lodging while seeking additional police protection is unreasonable and risks undermining public goodwill.”
Harry’s concerns, however, remain centred on safety for his family. In court filings, he voiced fears about the UK’s ability to protect his children, writing, “It was with great sadness that my wife and I felt forced to leave the country in 2020. The UK is my home.”
Royal analysts suggest the Duke’s decisions during this visit could influence future plans involving his family’s return to Britain. His rejection of Palace accommodations underscores the broader complexities of his strained royal relationships and his pursuit of independence while navigating life outside the monarchy.
