A source close to Prince Harry said the strict UK Home Office rules have impacted his relationship with his family and friends.
The Duke of Sussex’s security was downgraded after the announcement of Megxit in 2020 when the couple fled the UK and moved to America to be closer to Meghan’s family. According to a source, Harry must now give the Home Office 28 days notice before returning to Britain.
This appears to have put the Prince in an awkward position, with his uncle Robert Fellowes’ funeral set to take place next week. The source believes due to Harry’s notice period, he will be forced to skip the sad affair, reports the Express.
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“Harry didn’t have plans to visit the UK this summer so when something last-minute arises like a funeral, it becomes a very difficult situation to navigate,” said the source.
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“Harry would like to spend more time in Britain, but it’s a logistical nightmare for his team due to ongoing security issues.”
When asked if a special concession would be made for visiting the UK for unexpected events like a family funeral, a government spokesman said: “The UK Government’s protective security system is rigorous and proportionate. It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals’ security.
“It would not be appropriate to comment on ongoing legal proceedings.”
However, there have been two occasions when Prince Harry has torn up the rule book and decided to risk it alone. The Duke of Sussex attended the late Queen’s funeral in September 2022, which was heavily guarded, and also made his way over to the UK when King Charles announced he had cancer.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Harry has made visits to the UK in the past, but the security issue has remained a constant concern,” said the source.
Another source mentioned that these ongoing security issues have had quite a significant impact on Harry’s relationships with his nearest and dearest in the past few years.
“There have been times when Harry couldn’t attend events that he was invited to,” said the source. “It’s a shame because there are family members who love him dearly and he still has several close friends in the UK.
(Image: Getty Images)
“The nickname ‘the uninvitables’ was given to them [the Sussexes] because it would be almost impossible to get them to come along to anything.
“It’s not really their fault and because of the Home Office decision, they seem to be suffering because of it.”
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