Prince Harry Accused of ‘Blackmailing’ King Charles Over Grandchildren

Prince Harry’s decision to keep his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in the U.S. has stirred controversy, with royal experts suggesting it could be interpreted as an attempt to pressure King Charles. The Duke of Sussex has long cited security concerns as the primary reason for not bringing his children to the UK.

A close friend of Harry told Marca that he simply wants reassurance that his family will be protected if they visit. “He wants to ensure the safety of himself and his family while in the UK so his children can know his home country and so he can help support his patronages and their important work,” the source explained.

However, royal commentator Matt Wilkinson suggested otherwise, claiming that Harry’s demands for security could be seen as a form of coercion. Speaking on The Sun’s podcast with veteran royal photographer Arthur Edwards, Wilkinson remarked, “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.’”

Edwards did not mince words in his response. “Well, if he [Harry] says that, then he’s stupid. And I feel very sorry for our King because he doesn’t get to see his grandchildren, which is sad,” he said. The royal photographer also dismissed concerns about Harry and Meghan’s safety if they were to return, arguing that the couple would be well-protected.

“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,” Edwards added. The debate over Prince Harry’s security battle has raged on since he and Meghan Markle stepped down as senior royals in 2020.

The Duke has taken legal action against the UK government over his loss of automatic police protection, arguing that private security cannot provide the same level of safety. Meanwhile, the situation has left King Charles in a difficult position, with some royal observers believing that his estrangement from Harry is only being worsened by the ongoing security dispute.

Whether the Sussexes will return to the UK with their children remains uncertain, but the controversy surrounding their absence shows no signs of quieting down.