Prince Harry’s reported visit to the U.K. still lies in the doldrums, as he has been denied state-funded security reserved for senior royals, a privilege he and his family have lost after stepping away from their royal duties in 2020.
However, if Prince Harry makes it to the U.K. as planned, the real roadblock may not be security; it is likely to be status.
Sources claim Prince Harry wants his UK visit to reflect his status as King Charles III’s son, while Buckingham Palace wants to avoid any appearance of an official royal tour
Sources have told Rob Shuter’s “Naughty But Nice” that the royal household is facing a communication gap. While Prince Harry reportedly wants the trip to reflect his position as the King’s son, palace officials are said to be keen to avoid giving the impression that the Sussexes are making an official royal visit.
A royal insider said, “Harry believes he should be treated the way the Prince and Princess of Wales are when they travel overseas,” adding, “He wants the full royal treatment because, in his mind, he’s still a prince.”
Palace officials beg to differ. A second source said, “The last thing the Palace wants is headlines suggesting Britain is hosting an official visit from the American prince and princess,” adding, “Harry and Meghan are no longer working royals. The optics have to reflect that.”
A royal advisor adds to the mounting anticipation, saying that the optics of the visit matter to both parties. Harry wants to appear royal, but the Crown does not want to give the impression that the visit is of that stature.
The heat is on as the planned visit draws near. The visit, if successful, will be the first time in four years that the couple has visited the U.K. with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
DO YOU THINK THE SUSSEXES WILL RECONCILE WITH THE FIRM DURING THE VISIT?
Originally reported by Sreemanti Sengupta on Reality Tea
