Prince Harry has once again sparked controversy after being accused of “blackmailing” King Charles by keeping his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in the U.S. amid an ongoing security dispute.
Royal expert Matt Wilkinson, speaking on The Royal Exclusive show, suggested that Harry’s refusal to bring his children to the UK is not just a personal decision but a calculated move to pressure the monarchy.
“I think it almost felt like a bit like blackmail, kind of saying, ‘If I don’t get my security, then you will never see your grandchildren, or the country will never see the family come back to the UK unless I get my security,’” Wilkinson stated.
The claims have fueled already intense discussions surrounding the Duke of Sussex’s security demands. Since stepping down as a senior royal in 2020, Harry has been fighting to reinstate his UK security, arguing that his family is at risk without it. However, the Home Office ruled against his request, leading him to appeal the decision.
Veteran royal photographer Arthur Edwards was quick to criticize Harry’s approach, calling him “stupid” for allegedly keeping his children away from their grandfather. “Well, if he [Harry] says that, then he’s stupid,” Edwards remarked. “And I feel very sorry for our King because he doesn’t get to see his grandchildren, which is sad.”
Edwards further emphasized that if Harry were to visit the UK with Meghan and their children, they would be well protected. “If he came to England with his children, Meghan and his children, they would be looked after,” he insisted. “They’d be in the circle there, wherever he went, there’d be people looking after the King and Queen and other members of the royal family.”
The ongoing family rift between Prince Harry and Prince William has only made matters worse. “At the moment, it just seems that William and Catherine and Harry and Meghan just can’t get on, and that’s the problem,” Edwards added. “I think the King… it’s so sad for the King.”
Reports suggest that King Charles has only met Princess Lilibet once, during Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, and has seen Archie only a handful of times.
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Despite this, Harry has made no indication of changing his stance, continuing to argue that security concerns prevent him from bringing his children to the UK.
Harry’s legal battle over security has been ongoing for years. After leaving royal life, his official police protection was downgraded, a move he strongly opposed. He has since launched legal proceedings against the UK government, claiming that his safety is compromised whenever he returns to Britain.
The decision to appeal the latest High Court ruling suggests that Harry is not willing to back down. However, critics argue that this fight is only deepening the divide between him and the royal family.
While King Charles has remained publicly silent on the matter, insiders suggest that the monarch is heartbroken over the situation. With his ongoing health issues and the pressures of royal duties, being kept away from his youngest grandchildren is reportedly taking an emotional toll.
Many royal watchers believe that a reconciliation is possible, but only if Harry softens his stance. “There is still hope that Harry and Meghan will bring the children back to the UK in the future,” one source shared. “But right now, it’s clear that their conditions must be met first.”
As the security debate continues, the question remains—will Harry ever allow his children to have a true connection with their royal heritage? Or will this standoff between father and son continue to keep the family divided.
