Prince Harry recently made a bombshell claim that his wife, Meghan Markle, would not have received security protection after joining the royal family without his direct intervention. This allegation was revealed in a letter shared on May 2, 2025, on Sussex.com, the official website of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The Security Controversy Unfolds
The Duke of Sussex, 40, outlined the events surrounding his legal battle to restore state-funded security for him and Meghan after stepping back from their royal duties in 2020. His recent appeal was dismissed by a U.K. judge, marking a major setback in his efforts to regain protection.
In his letter, Harry described the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC), the government body responsible for the royal family’s security arrangements, as a “key decision maker” in this ongoing issue. He revealed that Meghan was initially denied security until he personally intervened.
Meghan Markle’s Initial Security Denial
Prince Harry’s letter highlighted an astonishing detail from November 2017, long before RAVEC’s involvement in royal security was publicly known. According to Harry, this secretive committee decided that Meghan, an American actress best known for her role on Suits, should not be granted security when she officially joined the royal family. It was only after Harry demanded the name of the person willing to take the risk of not protecting Meghan that the decision was reversed.

This revelation shines a light on the internal royal family processes and the concerns over the security of public figures, particularly those new to the royal fold.
The Royal Couple’s Journey and Decision to Step Back
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relationship has been the subject of much public interest. The couple began dating in 2016, got engaged in November 2017, and married in May 2018 at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. They went on to have two children: Prince Archie, born in May 2019, and Princess Lilibet, born in June 2021.

In January 2020, the couple made the dramatic decision to step back from their royal duties, citing a desire for more independence and privacy. They moved to California, Meghan’s home state, where they continue their philanthropic efforts while also raising their young family.
Legal Appeal and Setback
Harry’s recent legal battle to have state-funded security reinstated follows a period of public scrutiny. The Duke has argued that the withdrawal of protection after stepping back from royal duties was unjust. His appeal was dismissed by a U.K. judge, and the Duke expressed his devastation over the decision in an interview with the BBC shortly afterward. In the same interview, he shared his hope for reconciliation with his family, including his father, King Charles.
What’s Next for the Sussexes?
Despite the setback, Prince Harry remains vocal about the importance of security for his family, emphasizing that the decision to remove their protection was unfair. As he and Meghan continue to carve out their own path in California, the couple’s ongoing efforts to secure a peaceful and private life remain a topic of significant public interest.
For more updates on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as well as their legal battles and public appearances, stay tuned for the latest news and insights into their evolving story.