2,414 taxpayers lodged complaints aiming to remove Harry and Meghan's entitlement to free security, arguing that Harry, no longer a working royal, is owed nothing by the taxpayer.
This sentiment resonates strongly with many Mirror readers, encapsulating their feelings towards Prince Harry. His recent loss in the high court against the Home Office, contesting the government's decision to provide him with reduced security upon his visits to the UK as a non-working royal, marks a significant development in the ongoing saga.
Following their announcement in 2020 of stepping down as senior royals, Harry and Meghan were promptly cautioned that they would not receive the same level of protection as before. Instead of being offered security akin to that of King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, they were offered a level of security more in line with less senior royals, such as Princess Anne and Prince Edward. Despite Harry's subsequent legal action, the court's ruling dealt a considerable blow to him.
In expressing concerns about his children's security in the UK, Harry underscored the importance of feeling secure in one's home. This verdict may profoundly impact his future presence in the UK and the frequency of visits by Meghan and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilliet. A recent poll by The Mirror posed the question of whether Prince Harry should be entitled to a higher level of security, with an overwhelming majority of 201,414 respondents answering in the negative, while just over 400 supported the idea.
It's unsurprising that British taxpayers are hesitant to foot the bill for enhanced security for Harry and his family. While they do receive protection, it's not at the same level as senior royals like King Charles. Many question whether the extra security is necessary, suggesting that Harry's perception of his own importance may be inflated.
Critics of Harry's stance are vocal, arguing that he should accept the security level afforded to him and his family, especially considering his wealth. Some even call for drastic measures, suggesting he be stripped of his titles altogether. The sentiment among some is that Harry's sense of entitlement is unwarranted, especially considering public opinion and the financial burden it places on taxpayers.
In the end, despite Harry's desires for enhanced security, the decision rests on public sentiment, and the prevailing view is that taxpayers should not foot the bill for his security needs at the level he desires. While he may undergo a review process, the outcome is likely to remain consistent with the current arrangement, reflecting the sentiments of the British public.
