The circumstances surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's departure from the UK have caused quite a stir in the legal arena, with the prince challenging a decision to downgrade his security. In a written witness statement submitted for his legal battle against the home office, the Duke of Sussex stated that he and his wife were essentially forced to leave the country in 2020. He expressed concerns that his children couldn't feel safe in the UK, and the high court heard these claims today.
During the hearing, Shahad Ftim M. Casey, representing Harry, emphasized that the Duke did not view his shift away from full-time royal duties as a choice. Casey read a portion of Harry's statement in which he conveyed the sadness he and Meghan felt in being compelled to step back from their roles and leave the country back in 2020. Harry emphasized his deep connection to the UK, his children's heritage, and his desire for them to feel at home there.
While recollections of events may differ, it's worth noting that in a Netflix series, Prince Harry documented what he referred to as a "freedom flight" as he, Meghan, and their family traveled to California on a private jet. The series begins with Harry recording himself on board the private jet, stating, "We're on the freedom flight. We're leaving Canada headed to Los Angeles."
Many have criticized this move as hypocritical, considering that Harry and Meghan initially sought financial independence and a break from royal duties. Now, Harry appears to be lamenting his departure. It's a perplexing turn of events, especially given the manifesto they issued and the subsequent negotiations. Some argue that they initiated a four-year-long grievance after being told "no" for the first time.
In regards to Harry's claim about losing security, it's important to note that additional security is typically provided based on credible threats. If such security wasn't made available to him, it's likely because intelligence agencies like MI5 or MI6 determined there was no need for it. Furthermore, he left the UK before the summit where his security arrangements were decided, raising questions about the timeline of events.
In short, the video of their "freedom flight" might not have been the wisest choice, as it appears to contradict their claims of wanting independence and being forced out. Harry and Meghan's situation has become increasingly complex, and they seem to be attempting to rewrite the narrative once again.
