Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s fans are speculating that the couple will avoid returning to the UK indefinitely.
This comes after the Duke took legal action against the Home Office, which ruled that he would not be allowed to fund police protection for himself and his family during their visits to the UK.
Since stepping back from their roles as senior royals and moving to the United States in 2020, Harry and Meghan lost their taxpayer-funded security protection.
They then arranged for private security.
However, a decision made by the Home Office last year means that their US security team does not have jurisdiction in the UK or access to British security intelligence information.
Citing concerns over their safety, the couple claims that they would not be safe to return to the country with their children, two-year-old Archie and eight-month-old Lilibet, without security protection.
In September, Harry initiated a bid to have the government’s decision reviewed, and the High Court battle began recently.
Fans of the Sussexes have taken to social media to express their thoughts on the matter.
One Twitter user wrote, “Difficult to imagine H or M ever coming back to UK and facing UK public.”
Another chimed in, stating, “It’s difficult to imagine how badly Harry, sixth in line to the throne, has been treated by his family and the press, yet he still loves his country and wants his family to safely visit.
He’s a bigger man than his critics, that’s for certain.”
Another fan questioned why Prince Harry is not allowed to pay for his family’s protection in the UK, adding, “I’m sure his grandmother would love to see her great-grandchildren.
This is petty and mean-spirited.”
As the High Court battle commenced, Harry’s lawyer emphasized that the royal does want to return to the UK to see his family and friends.
Shaheed Fatima QC, representing the Duke, stated, “This claim is about the fact that the Duke does not feel safe when he is in the UK given the security arrangements applied to him in June 2021 and will continue to be applied if he decides to come back.
It goes without saying that he does want to come back to see family and friends and to continue to support the charities that are so close to his heart.
This is and always will be his home.”
A legal representative for Prince Harry previously stated that he wants to bring his children to visit from the US but does not feel it is safe to do so.
The representative also emphasized that although Harry’s role within the institution has changed, his profile as a member of the royal family remains the same, as does the threat to him and his family.
The Duke of Sussex is willing to cover the cost of security to avoid burdening the British taxpayer.
Since their departure in 2020, Prince Harry has reportedly made two short trips to the UK.
However, if he and Meghan decide to hold Lilibet’s christening in the US, it is unlikely that other members of the royal family will attend, according to a royal expert.
Lilibet Diana, affectionately known as Lily, was born in Santa Barbara, California, in June and was expected to be baptized at Windsor Castle like her older brother Archie.
However, a palace insider revealed that a UK christening is not on the cards.
Instead, it is likely that Lilibet will be christened into the Episcopal Church of the US, breaking tradition as the first of the Queen’s grandchildren or great-grandchildren not to receive a royal baptism within the Church of England.
The decision to hold the christening in the US means that it is unlikely that the Queen, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, or the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will attend, according to royal biographer Ingrid Seward.
She added, “I don’t think any members of the immediate royal family would have time to fly over.