They’ve developed a reputation over the years for instigating lawsuits. And last week, the Sussexes were at it again, as the first hearing took place in their case against the actual UK government. The couple are currently in a dispute over police protection while they’re in the UK, arguing that they won’t be able to return without it, that they’d pay for it, and that he “inherited a security risk at birth, for life” – despite the fact they’ve renounced their royal privileges.
Two days later after the case hit the High Court, it was revealed that the Queen was battling COVID – and while her case was thankfully mild, there’s no denying that it’s spectacularly bad timing for her to be dealing with her own grandson taking the Home Office to court.
Last week, Harry’s barrister said her client wants to be able to return home, but does not feel safe without the police protection he used to have as a working royal: “It goes without saying that he does want to come back to see family and friends and to continue to support charities that are so close to his heart.”
However, the Home Office say Harry’s offer to pay is irrelevant, as personal protective security by the police “is not available on a privately financed basis”.
CHECK OUT Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's relationship from the start
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship timeline
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met in London in July 2016.
2 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
They were introduced by mutual friend Markus Anderson, who is the director of Soho House.
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In October 2016, the Express became the first newspaper to publish news that Prince Harry had a new girlfriend.
4 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
On November 8th 2016, Kensington Palace released an unprecedented statement which referring to Markle as Harry's girlfriend for the first time.
5 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
In the statement, Prince Harry condemned the 'wave of abuse and harrassment' faced by Markle, saying that he was 'worried about Ms. Markle's safety and is deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her.'
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'It is not right that a few months into a relationship with him that Ms. Markle should be subjected to such a storm,' the statement continued.
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The couple were papped together for the first time in December 2016, shopping for a Christmas tree in London at the Pines and Needles store.
8 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Later that week, they were seen on London's West End, catching a performance of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
9 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
In February, Prince Harry wore a his 'n' hers bracelet on the cover of Town & Country magazine, just weeks after Markle was pictured wearing the same one on Instagram.
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In March 2017, Meghan joined Prince Harry in the Caribbean for the wedding of his friend's Tom 'Skippy' Inskip and Lara Hughes-Young.
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It was the first time that Markle accompanied Harry to a wedding, marking another milestone occasion for the couple.
12 of 32Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The first public event attended by the couple was the polo at Coworth Park in May 2017.
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Later in May, Markle attended the party portion of Pippa Middleton's wedding to James Middelton.
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Prince Harry was seen driving her to the event after the church ceremony.
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The couple were photographed together the following day at the wheelchair tennis.
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The couple 'broke with royal protocol' by holding hands and appearing affectionate while at the Invictus Games.
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In an interview with Vanity Fair, Meghan referred to Harry as her boyfriend numerous times, saying: 'We're a couple. We're in love. I'm sure there will be a time when we will have to come forward and present ourselves and have stories to tell, but I hope what people understand is that this is our time.'
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In early November 2017, it was reported that Meghan Markle was leaving Suits after seven series.
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Much was made of Markle's choice of outfit: ripped jeans and a white blouse called 'The Husband'.
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Although Prince Harry was sat next to First Lady Melania Trump at the event, rather than his girlfriend, she was only seated a few rows behind him.
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The couple made their first official public appearance in September, when Markle attended the opening of Prince Harry's Invictus Games.
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In mid-November 2017, bookies suspending betting on an impending royal engagement, as speculation grew that an announcement was about to be made.
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On November 27th 2017, Prince Charles announced the engagement of his younger son Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after 15 months of dating.
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The couple later appeared at a photocall, with Markle wearing a white dress coat by Canadian brand Line The Label. The website has subsequently crashed.
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The engagement ring, by Cleave and Company, was reportedly designed by Prince Harry himself, using two stones that belonged to Princess Diana.
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When asked by waiting photographers if the proposal was romantic, Harry joked 'of course!'
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The couple indulged in some PDA at the closing ceremony.
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Meghan wore a maroon midi dress with a pleated chiffon skirt by one of her favourite Canadian brands Aritzia.
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She teamed it with a matching burgundy biker jacket by Mackage.
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Prince Harry reportedly spent time with Meghan's mother Doria while at the Games too.
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Prince Harry was photographed kissing Meghan.
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In late September 2017, it was reported that Meghan had met the Queen, prompting speculation that the relationship was getting serious.
Look! More news!
This is the text Meghan Markle sent to a friend after meeting Prince Harry
The case is set to continue, and this can only sour relations between the couple and the royal family further. While the covid-stricken Queen was still continuing with “light duties”, there was consensus around the Palace that Harry and Meghan should read the room and throw their support behind the monarchy and the government, instead of doing the opposite and taking the government to court.
“The royals are dismayed by Harry’s ongoing legal case,” says a Palace insider, arguing that this is the last thing the Queen needs in her Platinum Jubilee year. “The whole sorry saga is no doubt saddening for the Queen, as she’s hoped for so long that Harry could resolve his disputes in an amicable and less heavy-handed manner. The fact that he’s adopted this aggressive stance will not be welcome – and the timing is dreadful because she’s under the weather. All the Queen wants is peace and harmony, and yet the negative attention and headlines involving the Sussexes just keep on coming.”
Despite their many outbursts against “the establishment”, Harry, 37, and Meghan, 40, have always pledged their respect for and devotion to the Queen, and even named their nine-month-old daughter Lilibet after her (they’re also parents to Archie, two). But the fact they’re now suing the government does not come across as supportive of the monarch – especially since they’ve warned that without police protection, they won’t be able to return to the UK to join the Platinum Jubilee celebrations (or introduce baby Lilibet to her namesake). We’re told that the couple’s unflinching determination to take the matter to the High Court is doing nothing to temper and repair relations.
“This is awkward and stressful for the Queen and the royal family,” says our source. “The family want Harry to feel safe back home, of course, but the hope is that he’ll drop the case, find a compromise, and support his grandmother without making unrealistic demands.”
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