Buckingham Palace responded on Friday afternoon after Prince Harry’s recent statement about his security arrangements following the court’s ruling that sided against him. The Duke of Sussex had made headlines earlier by claiming that his father, King Charles, had “full control” over the situation.
In response, the Palace issued a statement reaffirming the impartiality of the legal process: “All of these issues have been examined repeatedly and meticulously by the courts, with the same conclusion reached on each occasion.” The statement went on to clarify that it would have been inappropriate for the King to intervene during the ongoing legal proceedings, given their constitutional nature.
Harry’s statement came in the wake of a court decision regarding his security detail, which had been reduced after he and Meghan Markle stepped down as senior royals in 2020. The Duke has been outspoken about his concerns for the safety of his family, stating that he could no longer imagine bringing them back to the UK under these circumstances.
In a BBC interview, Harry expressed his desire for reconciliation with his family, particularly with his father. “I would love reconciliation with my family, there’s no point in continuing to fight anymore,” Harry said. “Life is precious, I don’t know how much longer my father has, he won’t speak to me because of this security stuff.” Despite his hopes for healing, Harry admitted that the final decision on any potential reconciliation rests with his family.
The Duke further explained that the issue of security has remained a point of tension within the family. “This current situation that has now been ongoing for five years in regard to human life and safety is the sticking point. It is the only thing that’s left,” he added.
While Harry deals with the fallout from his security case, Buckingham Palace also confirmed the royal couple’s upcoming visit to Canada. King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to travel to Ottawa from May 26-27, 2025, for the state opening of the Canadian Parliament, following the victory of the Liberal Party in the country’s general election.
The trip had been scheduled for the previous year but was postponed due to the King’s health issues, including a cancer diagnosis. The visit will be their first to Canada since King Charles ascended the throne.
Amid this busy schedule, the royal family also reflects on the loss of Pope Francis, who passed away just weeks after a private audience with King Charles and Queen Camilla. A Buckingham Palace spokesman stated that the King and Queen were honored to meet with the Pope and share their best wishes with him before his death. Prince William later represented the royal family at the Pope’s funeral, highlighting the ongoing connections and duties of the family.
