It's been another dramatic week in the ongoing saga of Megxit, marked by shocking revelations and intensifying disputes between both sides.
Parliament has finally weighed in on the Royal crisis, pushing tensions to new heights. As a refresher, Prince Harry is seeking a judicial review of the decision not to allow him to pay for police protection while in the UK. He argues that his private security team in the US lacks the jurisdiction and access to UK intelligence necessary to keep his family safe.
However, this case has angered Chancellor Rishi Sunak. Reports this week suggest that behind closed doors, Sunak has been fiercely criticizing Harry's legal attempts. Sources indicate that Sunak believes Harry's lawsuit is absurd and disrespectful to UK taxpayers. As Chancellor, Sunak is concerned about spending public money on security for non-working Royals who no longer reside in Britain full-time.
Sunak reportedly told colleagues that Meghan and Harry's attempts to exploit their Royal titles while leading private lives abroad cannot continue. According to these sources, Sunak insists that if Harry wants to live privately and maintain financial independence for his family, he cannot expect taxpayers to foot the bill for trips back to the UK. The government believes the couple needs to choose one path or the other. Sunak is not alone in his frustration; other UK ministers have expressed similar sentiments in recent weeks. This marks the first time senior government officials have publicly voiced such a critical view of Harry's campaign for police protection. Sunak's stern criticism highlights escalating tensions between the monarchy and Boris Johnson's government.
In response to Sunak's hardline stance, Harry's legal team fired back, stating that suggesting Harry should pay for his own security is unworkable and inappropriate. His lawyer argued that as a senior member of the Royal Family who occasionally visits the UK, Harry remains a target for kidnapping or attack. They assert that regardless of his working status, his familial links to the Queen necessitate close protection when traveling to Britain. Several security experts acknowledge that Harry still faces real ongoing threats. However, many argue that expecting British taxpayers to cover long-term security costs for non-working Royals living abroad is unreasonable. There is no precedent for paying private security for non-working Royals residing full-time elsewhere. This issue is undoubtedly complex, with valid arguments on both sides.
While the legal battle continues, another front in the Megxit wars opened up in Parliament this week. For the first time, British lawmakers directly debated the Royal crisis sparked by Harry and Meghan's departure last year. Previously, discussions had focused on the business angles; this time, MPs addressed the core challenges facing the monarchy. Conservative MP Natalie Elphicke questioned whether it was fair for the couple to continue using their Duke and Duchess titles for commercial gain in America while no longer performing duties in the UK.
She argued that it was difficult for working Royals, like the Wessexes, who undertake over 500 engagements a year, to see titles being used in this way abroad. Other MPs warned that the Royal Family faces a significant branding challenge. They stressed that sustaining public support for continuing taxpayer costs requires transparency around Royal spending and clarity on who is working and who isn't. With Harry and Meghan leading such an ambiguous international role, it risks damaging public faith in the monarchy from both taxpayers and monarchists.
Meanwhile, Meghan Markle faced more backlash this week over accusations of misleading claims in her court case against Associated Newspapers. The company is being sued by Meghan for breaching her privacy by publishing parts of a letter to her estranged father. However, new evidence emerged that appears to contradict parts of Meghan's witness statement submitted to the court. Meghan claimed she didn't anticipate the letter being leaked, fearing it would be manipulated. Yet, text messages revealed in court show Meghan telling an aide that the leak was unfortunately inevitable. This raises serious questions about Meghan's honesty in her version of events and brings renewed scrutiny to her repeated privacy lawsuits.
The Megxit saga continues to unfold, with each week bringing new developments and heightened tensions. The legal, political, and personal battles are far from over, promising more drama in the weeks to come.
