Prince Harry may be sending the wrong message about his finances by traveling on a private jet while seeking police protection in the UK, according to a royal expert.
The Duke of Sussex reportedly arrived in Britain earlier this month on a private plane. Royal commentator Jennie Bond believes the trip could make it harder for Harry to gain public support for taxpayer-funded security.
Bond told the Mirror that the longer Harry and his family remain in the UK without police protection, the more people may question his claim that it is necessary. However, she also acknowledged that his high public profile and military background could place him at serious risk.
Harry has offered to pay for police protection himself, but Metropolitan Police officers cannot be privately hired. He reportedly wants armed protection, which private security guards are not allowed to provide in the UK.
Bond said that traveling by private jet could still damage Harry’s argument. Many people may believe that if he can afford such expensive travel, or has friends willing to provide it, he can also afford a strong private security team.
She added that while Harry may have valid safety concerns, his lifestyle could make it more difficult for the public to support his position.
