Prince Harry and Meghan Slammed Over Security ‘Blackmail’ Claims: ‘Why Pay?’

The security arrangements of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are once again at the centre of a heated debate in Britain, with one royal commentator accusing the couple of trying to dictate the outcome of an official review.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been criticised by royal commentator Angela Levin for allegedly attempting to control the result of their state-funded security review since returning to the UK. The Sussexes made the headline-grabbing decision to come back to Britain last month, six years after leaving the country to build a new life in America.

A Trip Steeped in Controversy

Their return followed a turbulent build-up. A month earlier, the couple’s UK trip had already been mired in controversy after a series of back-and-forth exchanges, all of them linked to their security arrangements.

The issue has followed the Sussexes since they stepped back from royal duties in 2020. Their publicly funded protection was scaled back after that exit, and the question of who should pay for their safety on British soil has been a recurring flashpoint ever since. Harry has also pursued legal action over the decision, keeping the matter firmly in the public eye.

Rumours of a Permanent US Return

Now, the couple are rumoured to be prepared to return to the United States for good if the latest review of their downgraded security does not go their way. It is that reported stance that has drawn the sharpest criticism.

Speaking to TalkTV, Levin did not hold back. “It’s blackmail, isn’t it?” she said, suggesting the couple expect to receive exactly what they want, exactly when they want it. In her view, the pressure being applied amounts to an ultimatum.

Levin also said she would be “delighted” if the Sussexes did decide to go back to America, describing them in unflattering terms and claiming they are not well regarded in the UK. Her central argument was one of value for money. “Why should we pay them money for everything they’re doing?” she asked, adding that in her opinion they are not doing anything for the country in return.

The Wider Debate

Levin’s comments reflect a broader argument that has divided public opinion. Critics of taxpayer-funded protection for the Sussexes argue that, as they no longer carry out official royal duties, the public should not be footing the bill. Supporters of the couple counter that their profile and the threats they face do not disappear simply because they live abroad, and that security decisions should be based on risk rather than politics.

It is worth noting that the claims of “blackmail” come from one commentator’s opinion, and the reports that the couple would leave the UK permanently if the review goes against them remain rumours. Neither Harry nor Meghan has publicly confirmed such plans in the material reported here.

What Happens Next

For now, the outcome of the security review remains uncertain. With the couple back on British soil and the debate reignited, the decision is likely to attract close scrutiny from both the public and the press. Whichever way it goes, the Sussexes’ security is set to remain one of the most divisive stories in royal circles.