New evidence has shed light on Queen Elizabeth II’s thoughts on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, revealing the monarch’s intentions to keep the couple supplied with security after they stepped down from royal duties and moved to the U.S.
The late Queen, who passed away in September 2022, affirmed in a letter written on her behalf that it was “imperative” that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex “continue to be provided with effective security” due to risks of “extremists”. The note has now been made public as it was provided as evidence in the High Court for Prince Harry’s ongoing libel lawsuit against The Mail on Sunday.
The letter, penned by the Queen’s private secretary, Sir Edward Young, was initially sent to the cabinet secretary, Sir Mark Sedwill, following the Sandringham Summit in January 2020, according to The Sunday Times. The famous meeting of royal family members at the Queen’s country home was held to discuss the state of the family’s future after Prince Harry and Meghan announced their intentions to step down from royal duties earlier that month.
“You will understand well that ensuring that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain safe is of paramount importance to Her Majesty and her family,” the letter read, adding that threats to the couple did not diminish with their duties.
“Given the duke’s public profile, by virtue of being born into the royal family, his military service, the duchess’ own independent profile and the well-documented history of targeting of the Sussex family by extremists, it is imperative that the family continues to be provided with effective security.”
The letter was submitted as evidence during the recent three-day hearing in London this week over the libel case. It comes as a surprise, given that security issues were alleged to deepen the rift between the Sussexes and the royal family. The couple reportedly lost tax-funded police protection when they stepped down as working royals and have noted the royal family’s unwillingness to provide continued support after their move.
It’s unclear whether or not the Queen’s plea was actually met, but Prince Harry and Meghan ended up being loaned security by actor Tyler Perry when they came to the U.S. before eventually paying for their own private security.
