Recently unearthed court documents have shed light on the late Queen Elizabeth II’s views regarding the security needs of her grandson, Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan Markle.
It appears she believed that ensuring their continued protection was not just a preference but rather “imperative.”
This insight comes from a secret letter penned by Sir Edward Young, one of the Queen’s top aides, which highlights her deep concern about the safety of the Sussexes following their departure from royal duties.
In communication with Sir Mark Sedwill, the then Cabinet Secretary, Sir Edward emphasized that their security was of “paramount importance” to both the Queen and the royal family.
The letter, revealed in documents last December, served as a rebuttal to the ongoing narrative that Harry and Meghan were left high and dry by the Royal Family.
This will be part of the evidence presented in Harry’s ongoing legal disputes, specifically regarding his claims of being cut off from royal support.
Notably, Sir Edward stated that, despite not officially representing the Queen anymore, the couple would still be engaging in public activities.
Their status meant that they would continue to attract significant public attention, necessitating adequate security measures.
Detailing their vulnerabilities, he emphasized that the couple’s individual profiles and the history of targeted attacks against them demanded continued security provisions.
The letter articulated, “Given the Duke’s public profile, his military background, the Duchess’s previous prominence, and past incidents involving extremist targeting, effective security is essential.”
The concerns outlined in the letter were not arbitrary; Queen Elizabeth was mindful of tragic past incidents involving the Royal Family and wished to avoid any repeat scenarios.
This call for vigilance reflects her overarching duty as a protector of her family amidst evolving security challenges.
Back in 2020, when Harry and Meghan stepped back from their roles as senior royals, they faced a considerable reduction in state-funded security.
Harry’s legal battle against the Home Office began soon after, questioning the lawful decision to alter his protection levels.
A High Court ruling earlier this year upheld the decision to downgrade his security, denying Harry permission to appeal to a higher court.
However, recent developments indicate that the Court of Appeal is now prepared to hear Harry’s challenge, opening up new avenues in this contentious issue.
This ongoing saga about the Sussexes’ security isn’t the only legal challenge on Harry’s plate.
His team has been pursuing several lawsuits against various parties, each highlighting different aspects of his life post-royalty.
In his emotional reflections shared in his autobiography and interviews, Harry has frequently expressed feelings of abandonment and a desperate need for security.
He articulated the difficulties faced by his family, particularly with the lack of protection when returning to the UK.
His statements portray a stark contrast to the public narrative that Harry and Meghan had willingly chosen to sever ties with royal life.
Instead, they maintain that genuine safety concerns were a driving factor in their departure.
As discussions continue regarding Harry’s security, these revelations from courts and the late Queen’s letters will likely influence public sentiment and further scrutiny of the royal family’s role in the matter.
In this swirling vortex of emotions and legal disputes, one thing remains clear: the legacy and sentiments of Queen Elizabeth regarding her family’s welfare endure, even beyond her passing.
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