TOI World Desk
Harry expressed deep concerns for Meghan’s safety, citing the potential for harmful actions from individuals influenced by the tabloids’ coverage.“It’s still dangerous, and all it takes is one lone actor, one person who reads this stuff to act on what they have read,” Harry was quoted as explaining.
He underscored the gravity of the situation, saying, “Whether it’s a knife or acid, whatever it is, these are genuine concerns for me. It’s one of the reasons why I won’t bring my wife back to this country.”
Safety concerns
The 39-year-old Duke has previously voiced concerns about the safety of his family, particularly after losing a legal battle with the British government over his request for official police protection during UK visits.
In December 2023, Harry reportedly said, “The UK is my home. The UK is central to the heritage of my children and a place I want them to feel at home as much as where they live at the moment in the United States.” However, he acknowledged that this cannot be achieved without adequate security.
‘They pushed me too far’
Security issues were pivotal in Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from their roles as senior working members of the royal family. Harry also addressed the impact of his ongoing legal battles with media organisations, asserting that he doesn’t believe his actions are attracting additional dangerous attention.
“There is more than enough attention on me and my wife anyway,” he said.
Harry’s recent comments come as part of a broader narrative of tension between the couple and the British press. The Duke has criticized the media’s relentless scrutiny, which he believes has exacerbated security risks for Meghan.
“They pushed me too far. It got to a point where you’re damned if you do and you’re damned if you don’t,” Harry was quoted as saying as he referred to the couple’s legal battles with publishers.
The Duke revealed that his rift with the Royal Family is closely tied to his struggles with the press. He acknowledged that discussing his family often leads to abuse from the media. “But that’s a hard question to answer, because anything I say about my family results in a torrent of abuse from the press,” he added.
‘Media harassment’
The Duke’s decision reflects a broader issue of media harassment that the Sussexes have faced since their move to the United States in 2020.
Meghan’s last visit to the UK was for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022, marking one of the rare occasions she has returned since the couple’s relocation.
The Duke revealed that his rift with the Royal Family is closely tied to his struggles with the press. He acknowledged that discussing his family often leads to abuse from the media. “But that’s a hard question to answer, because anything I say about my family results in a torrent of abuse from the press,” he added.
The announcement marks a shift in their public engagements, particularly considering Harry’s previous sentiments about the importance of the UK in their children’s heritage.
Harry reflects on support from Queen Elizabeth II
The announcement also highlights the impact of media pressure on their lives and the significant steps the Sussexes are taking to manage their safety.
Despite the challenges, Harry reflected positively on the support he received from his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. “We had many conversations before she passed. She knew how much this meant to me. She’s very much up there, going ‘See this through to the end!’ Without question,” he said.