Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who stepped down as senior royals in 2020 and now reside in Montecito, California, may face the removal of their royal titles.
Speculation has been rife about whether they will attend King Charles III’s coronation on May 6.
The couple’s decision to file a case against the UK government, with Prince Harry seeking a judicial review, has raised eyebrows as it marks the first time a member of the royal family has taken such action.
According to data obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, the legal battle has cost UK taxpayers a staggering £296,882 ($357,000).
Prince Harry had initially requested the British government to cover his security expenses before confirming his attendance at the coronation ceremony.
However, the Home Office is now planning to ask the court to order Prince Harry to reimburse the government for all court fees if he loses the case.
Many hope that the judge will rule in favor of the government, thus compelling Prince Harry to repay the $550,000 it has cost taxpayers.
During the coronation, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will benefit from high-level security arrangements.
If they choose to stay at Frogmore Cottage or anywhere within the Windsor estate, they will have access to permanent security measures.
However, there is no official reason for them to be anywhere other than the designated lodgings or the main event itself.
Therefore, additional security should not be necessary.
It is argued that UK taxpayers should not be expected to foot the bill for shopping trips or public appearances unrelated to the coronation.
The significant expense incurred by Prince Harry should be sufficient cause for reconsidering his invitation to the event.
The funds spent on this legal battle could have been directed towards more pressing matters, such as healthcare, care for the elderly and disabled, housing for the homeless, education, infrastructure, and international aid.
Instead, the money has been channeled into a lawsuit initiated by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during a time of pandemic, financial crisis, natural disasters, and war.
Adding to their troubles, reports have emerged suggesting that their royal titles may be challenged in Parliament.
Conservative MP Bob Seeley has announced his intention to introduce a bill aimed at stripping the Duke and Duchess of Sussex of their royal titles.
This move comes in the wake of the controversial Netflix docuseries and Prince Harry’s explosive memoir, which were seen by many as betraying the royal family and the monarchy.
Seeley’s proposal highlights the level of discontent surrounding Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s actions.
The release of the memoir, “Spare Psycheduity,” has not only caused divisions but has also been subject to widespread mockery.
It is striking that such a book, which some view as a betrayal, has led a serving MP to push for the removal of the couple’s royal titles using existing legislation.
The developments in the royal Sussex drama continue to captivate public attention, and it remains to be seen how this latest chapter will unfold.