Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are reportedly furious over what they see as preferential treatment being extended to Kate Middleton’s sister, Pippa Middleton and her husband James Matthews, after the couple was granted permission to increase security around their Berkshire mansion. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who had their own government-funded security removed after stepping back from royal duties, are said to be outraged by the contrast.A source told RadarOnline. com that the situation has reignited longstanding frustrations about how the couple feel they have been treated compared to other members of the extended royal circle.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry angered over the ‘Double Standard’
“What infuriates Meghan and Harry is the double standard,” the insider claimed. “Harry and Meghan have no issue with Pippa and James being allowed to have this gate, if they feel they need protection, they should have it,” the source added, making clear the couple’s frustration was not directed at Pippa and James personally but at the perceived inconsistency in how security decisions are made.
James Matthews defends security measures
Following an inquiry into the additional security measures at their Berkshire home, James Matthews defended the need for the increased protection. “There are implications for my family, due to their high public profile, which means there is a need for a higher level of security than would otherwise be the case if the circumstances were different,” he said in a statement via Sky News.
“Therefore, to improve security for my family, before we moved in, I arranged for an electric security gate to be erected on the drive,” he added. “Unfortunately there has been a continued need to enhance security.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s security under review
Despite having their security removed, the British government is currently reviewing that decision. Royal expert Jennie Bond told The Mirror that the review was a significant development. “I think this is a big win for Harry and the review is what he deserves,” she said. “He can’t change the fact that he is King Charles III’s son. He is also a former army officer who has taken part in armed conflict in Afghanistan during two tours of duty.“Bond also pointed to specific concerns about Harry’s personal safety. “He has, foolishly many would argue, admitted killing 25 Taliban in his book ‘Spare’. That admission must only have made the target already on his back even bigger. So, I think he has legitimate concerns about his security and the risk his family could face if he brings them to the UK.”
She also drew a comparison with the protection afforded to former prime ministers. “If our eight surviving former prime ministers are entitled to a high level of security in some cases, round the clock, then I think Prince Harry has the right to ask why he is not entitled to the same when he is in this country,” she said.
Security at the heart of Prince Harry’s rift with his family
According to Bond, the security dispute is central to Harry’s estrangement from the royal family and stands as the biggest obstacle to any meaningful reconciliation. “Security worries lie at the very heart of Harry’s estrangement from his family here,” she said. “He has said that the dispute has always been the sticking point in any reconciliation with his father. He viewed the court’s decision against him as ‘an old-fashioned establishment stitch up.‘”
