The US would never have been asked to pay for #HarryandMeghan’s security. It’s not their responsibility. But this tweet shows what invidious position the couple are are now in, having decided to leave the UK and move to America.
To clarify, when members of the royal family are invited to visit a foreign state on an official working trip, then security is provided by the host nation (at cost to themselves) - just as it is provided by the UK when a foreign dignitary visits.
It’s Harry and Meghan’s decision to base themselves in the US as private citizens permanently that is problematic for the British government. Should the hard-pressed Met Police be forced to protect them at the cost of millions of pounds a year?
Harry & Meghan say yes by ‘virtue of being born into The Royal Family, his military service, the Duchess’ own independent profile, & the shared threat & risk level documented specifically over the last few years’
But there is growing pressure for them to foot the bill personally.
But there is growing pressure for them to foot the bill personally.
Update - spokesman for Sussexes says: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have no plans to ask the U.S. government for security resources. Privately funded security arrangements have been made.
Unclear as yet whether that means they’ve dispensed of Met Police or if in addition to TBC
Unclear as yet whether that means they’ve dispensed of Met Police or if in addition to TBC
