Palace addresses timing of Harry, Meghan letter as security verdict looms

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle taken by “surprise” as they were informed of their royal status by King Charles just at the heels of their UK police protection verdict.

A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had shared that the couple were not informed “in advance” of the letter, issued by Lord Chamberlain.

It is believed to be a glaring sign of friction between the Palace and the Sussexes, especially as a threat assessment carried out by the Risk Management Board (RMB) on Tuesday. The meeting is to reach a definitive conclusion on whether the Sussexes qualify for taxpayer-funded police protection.

Although, a Buckingham Palace source has “denied in categorical terms any connection between the letter’s timing and the security question, emphasising that matters of protection fall under the Government’s remit”, via GB News.

Harry had renewed his case for security months before his return to Britain and had only increased efforts in recent weeks as Meghan and the children were to accompany him to his home country. Apparently, a decision had been taken on the matter but it was not revealed to Harry.

Meanwhile, the timing of the letter was further clarified by The Daily Mail, noting that the Palace had been “contacted by a number of officials seeking clarity about operational matters pertaining to the Sussex family while they are resident in the UK”.

Hence, the issuance of the letter had more to deal with matters on an official level rather than ‘snubbing’ the Sussexes.