Fame or family? It seems a tough call for the Sussexes
THERE is no question that Prince Harry’s absence from the recent memorial service for his grandfather Prince Philip was a slap in the face for the Queen.
The Duke of Sussex, who opted to stay away, is currently embroiled in an ugly legal spat with the Home Office.
Harry is suing the Government after being told he would no longer be given the “same degree” of personal protective security when visiting from the US, that he enjoyed while living in the UK.
He has been informed, in no uncertain terms, that royal protection squads are not guns for hire.
Harry argues he and his family are “unable to return to his home” because it is too dangerous.
However Britain’s once favourite prince – along with his wife – has travelled to the Netherlands this week for the start of his Invictus Games – an event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans.
The trip will mark the Sussexes’ first visit to Europe since they turned their back on the UK and left the Royal Family.
Absurdly, the couple appears to feel more protected at an event in a foreign land than in the “home” they refer to.
Given the Games’ overwhelming links to military that has fought in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan, one would think it ticks the boxes as a terrorist target.
Holland has had a number of attacks carried out by jihadists on its soil.
Let’s not forget Harry himself served in Afghanistan and, as the Queen’s grandson, is a target.
There is no question the Dutch will consider the security threat as high. Therefore, it is hard to fathom why the Games are less of a risk than the Duke of Edinburgh’s memorial service.
It has now emerged that the Sussexes’ Netflix crew will be accompanying them during their time in The Hague.
No such access would have been granted at Prince Philip’s Westminster Abbey service and the Sussexes need to ensure they deliver on their multimilliondollar TV deal.
The optics of this trip are awful for a couple who, since leaving the UK, have repeatedly appeared to attack it and its Royal Family.
All this nonsense about Harry and his family not getting protection while in London now seems to me a pathetic excuse.
He should have left his £11m Californian home to honour his grandfather.
If he was so worried about safety, he could have stuck with his brother and father, who have exceptional security. He would have been more than safe.
What is unforgivable in all of this is the pain and hurt it must cause the Queen.
But where fame, not family, is concerned, the couple appears to have all the Dutch courage they need.