Prince Harry’s last-minute UK visit proves his security concerns are a right royal farce

Prince Harry’s unexpected appearance at the memorial service for his late mother’s brother-in-law, Lord Robert Fellowes, on Thursday, might appear as a sign of a reconciliation between him and his brother, Prince William. But it was one the Duke of Sussex seemed to want to keep secret. Why?

Could it be that Harry wanted to perpetuate the illusion that he can only visit the UK with a Home Office-funded security squad and not a trip he could make otherwise?

Sources close to the Duke of Sussex previously claimed that he is keen to spend more time in the UK, but the requirement to give 28-days’ notice before his arrival has been a significant barrier. However, this logistical challenge seems to be more than just an inconvenience. It appears that Harry is leveraging his security concerns as a tool to manipulate his relationship with the Royal Family, particularly in the wake of his departure as a working royal in 2020.

Harry’s complaints about security restrictions are well-documented, but it’s important to recognise how he has used these concerns as a convenient excuse to justify his absence from the UK – and more importantly, as a means to maintain a semblance of importance after stepping back from royal duties.

The Duke’s reluctance to sometimes comply with the 28-day notice requirement, which would allow the Home Office to arrange appropriate security, shows that he is willing to come to the UK on a whim with the protection that’s provided, or not provided, at the time.

Not only did Harry fly over to attend his uncle’s memorial service despite many briefings stating that he wouldn’t due to security fears, he also flew over to the UK with very short notice to visit his father King Charles upon his announcement that he had cancer.

Harry’s security fight seems less about safety and more about maintaining control over his narrative. He has the means to travel to the UK with his own security arrangements, so why doesn’t he?

The timing of his visit to the UK this week suggests that Harry is still keen to assert his relevance. To show the royals that he won’t shy away from a meeting with his brother, William.

Both brothers also had events scheduled in New York in September, but they are now not expected to meet as William has decided against appearing at the Earthshot Innovation Summit scheduled at the same time as Harry’s events – a clear indication that their relationship remains icy.

Harry’s appearance at Lord Fellowes’ memorial service, close to the Royal Family’s Sandringham Estate, might be seen by some as an olive branch. But given the history between him and his brother, it will take quite some time to repair those relations. And the duke’s apparent wish to continue his security fight surely demonstrates that this is a very public show, one that is playing out a rather epic princely temper tantrum.