Prince Harry and Meghan 'not the same people who left' Britain, says royal author
Royal author Omid Scobie says the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have changed since stepping back from royal duties and now relate to Britain differently, as a new poll shows the public believes the couple should fund their own security.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are «not the same people who left» Britain and now «relate to Britain differently», according to royal author Omid Scobie, whose comments come as new polling suggests the British public believes the couple should pay for their own security arrangements.
Scobie, who has written extensively about the Sussexes, said the couple's relationship with the UK has fundamentally shifted since they stepped back from senior royal duties. His remarks add to a growing public debate about the nature of the couple's ongoing ties to Britain, including questions over their security provision when they visit.
The comments coincide with fresh polling indicating that a majority of the British public thinks the Duke and Duchess of Sussex should cover the costs of their own security while in the UK. The findings reflect a notable shift in public sentiment towards the couple, who have faced sustained scrutiny since relocating to the United States.
The security question has been a recurring point of contention. The couple previously lost a legal bid to restore publicly funded police protection in the UK, after a High Court ruling determined that their security arrangements should be decided on a case-by-case basis. The Duke of Sussex has argued that he and his family face credible threats and has sought to challenge the decision.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has weighed in on the matter, describing the couple's security arrangements as a «private matter». His intervention highlights the sensitivity of the issue, which touches on the balance between the couple's public status and their private lives.
Scobie's assessment of the couple's changed relationship with Britain comes amid ongoing speculation about the nature of their future involvement in UK public life. The Duke and Duchess have maintained a presence in British public discourse through various charitable and commercial ventures, but their physical presence in the country has been limited.
The polling data and Scobie's comments together paint a picture of a couple navigating a complex relationship with their home country. While they retain significant public interest, the practical and financial dimensions of their visits to Britain remain unresolved questions.
The debate over security funding is likely to persist as the couple continues to balance their lives in the US with their remaining ties to the UK. Public opinion, as reflected in the latest poll, suggests that many Britons view the couple's security costs as a personal responsibility rather than a public one.
