In a surprising turn of events, the Deputy Secretary of the United States took a subtle jab at the Sussexes regarding their birthday message to Prince William.
Harry and Meghan, who had assumed they would receive police protection in California, were met with a stark reality – American security services do not engage in frivolous activities.
However, on William’s 41st birthday, an unexpected gesture came from the US Diplomatic Security Service, the State Department’s renowned protectors, known as the “Men in Black.”
The Diplomatic Security Service, responsible for safeguarding dignitaries, extended their wishes to the Prince of Wales in a tweet that caught many by surprise.
The message was accompanied by a photo from Boston featuring a robust operative alongside William and Kate.
The underlying tone seemed to be a not-so-subtle dig at Harry and Meghan, implying that the couple had not earned the same level of respect from the security service.
The mastermind behind this gesture is believed to be Anthony John Blinken, a prominent American government official and diplomat who currently serves as the 71st United States Secretary of State.
Blinken, with a rich history in diplomatic and security affairs, has previously criticized Harry and Meghan for allegedly misusing security resources for menial tasks like grocery deliveries and coffee runs.
Amidst the unfolding drama, Blinken also expressed his condolences upon the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, highlighting her significant role in strengthening the bond between the United States and the United Kingdom.
However, when fans urged him to extend protection to Meghan and Harry in America as a show of sincerity, Blinken tactfully redirected the focus, emphasizing that the royal couple was not the intended recipients of such security measures.
Meanwhile, reports have emerged of Royal Protection officers in Canada, assigned to Harry and Meghan, expressing discontent over being tasked with non-security-related duties such as fetching groceries and running errands.
Despite the couple’s decision to step back as senior royals and relocate to California, they still require the presence of trained protection staff from Scotland Yard due to potential security threats.
A source close to the palace revealed concerns about the protection officers being diverted from their primary responsibilities to mundane tasks like picking up takeaways and groceries.
The source emphasized the inherent risks associated with such activities, as the officers should be solely focused on ensuring the safety of the Duke and Duchess rather than engaging in errands that could compromise their security.
Residents in the area where Harry and Meghan are currently residing noted the conspicuous presence of the British protection officers, identifiable by their fleet of cars and distinctive accents.
The contrast between the officers’ high-profile roles and the seemingly trivial tasks they are reportedly undertaking has raised questions about the allocation of resources and the effectiveness of the security arrangements for the royal couple.
As the dynamics surrounding Harry and Meghan’s security arrangements continue to unfold, the scrutiny on their interactions with the American security apparatus intensifies.
The juxtaposition of diplomatic gestures, security protocols, and personal preferences underscores the complexities inherent in balancing royal status with practical security needs in a new and unfamiliar environment.