The recent news of Meghan Markle's request for military bodyguards has sparked a strong reaction from the New York Governor, who has criticized The Duchess for overstepping her bounds and disregarding the city's security protocols. Meghan had insisted on having a team of highly trained military personnel to ensure her safety during the Diana Awards ceremony. This demand was made despite the event already being set to be heavily guarded by the New York Police Department (NYPD) and private security hired by the organizers.
The Governor, who has not been named, expressed frustration with Meghan’s request, stating that it was completely unacceptable and a blatant disregard for the city's resources and the safety of its citizens. "We take the security of all our visitors, including members of the royal family, very seriously," the Governor said in a statement. "However, Meghan Markle’s demand for military-grade bodyguards is simply outrageous and not something we can accommodate. Our law enforcement and security teams are more than capable of ensuring the safety of all attendees at the Diana Awards ceremony."
The Governor also criticized Meghan’s sense of entitlement and her apparent belief that she is above the city’s security protocols. "This is not a private event; it's a public celebration of Princess Diana's legacy, and we need to ensure that everyone in attendance, including the general public, is kept safe," he added.
The backlash from the New York Governor is not the only challenge Meghan has faced in the lead-up to the Diana Awards. Earlier this week, it was reported that The Duchess had also requested a private jet to transport her and her family to the event—a request that was quickly denied by the organizers. "The Diana Awards is a charitable organization, and we simply don’t have the resources to accommodate such extravagant demands," a spokesperson for the organization said. "We’re focused on honoring Princess Diana’s memory and celebrating the achievements of young people, not catering to the whims of a member of the royal family."
The controversy surrounding Meghan's visit to New York City has reignited the ongoing debate about her perceived sense of entitlement and her willingness to use her royal status to secure special treatment. Many have criticized Meghan for her apparent disregard for the city's security protocols and her belief that she is above the rules that apply to everyone else. "Meghan Markle needs to understand that she is not the queen and does not have the right to demand military-grade security or private jets whenever she feels like it," one commentator wrote on social media. "This is a public event, and she should be treated like any other attendee."
Others have defended Meghan, arguing that as a member of the royal family, she is entitled to a certain level of security and that the New York Governor’s response was overly harsh and politically motivated. "Meghan Markle is a high-profile public figure, and it’s only natural that she would want to ensure her safety and the safety of her family during such a high-profile event," one supporter wrote. "The New York Governor’s response seems more like a political stunt than a genuine concern for the city's security."
Regardless of the debate, the controversy surrounding Meghan’s visit to New York City has once again thrust The Duchess into the spotlight, with many questioning her judgment and her willingness to use her royal status for special treatment. As the 25th anniversary of the Diana Awards approaches, all eyes will be on Meghan and how she navigates the controversy surrounding her visit. Will she back down and accept the security arrangements put in place by the organizers, or will she continue to push for her demands? Only time will tell.
