Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are Branded 'Pathetic' Over 'Blackmail' Claims Amid US Return Rumours

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been criticised by royal correspondent Rupert Bell amid speculation that they could leave the UK again. Speaking on TalkTV after the couple's return to Britain at the end of August, Bell said it would look 'a bit pathetic' if they moved because they could not get the security they wanted. The account contains no decision by the couple to return to the US.

For context, Harry told Canadian network CTV that it was 'great to be back on British soil' and said his two children were 'happy in school'. The account says Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet were moved to another school because of security concerns. It includes no statement from the family about a further move.

Prince Harry's Security Question

The supplied account says UK police have denied the Sussexes protection, while Harry's push for taxpayer-funded security remains under scrutiny. It also puts their reported annual security spending at $3 million (£2.26 million), without supplying a breakdown or records supporting that figure.

Bell said he hoped Archie and Lilibet would not face another school change. 'For goodness sake, don't up sticks and leave again in six months time because they've been in one school for two days and then they were shoehorned out of that because of security implications, before being put into another school much nearer to where they live,' he said.

His references to 'six months' and 'two days' came from his remarks. They are not confirmation of a departure date or an independently verified school timeline. 'I really do hope that for the sake of the children, they do keep their place in this country. Whether that's a good thing for most people, I'm not sure,' Bell added.

Meghan Markle and Bell's Conditional Criticism

Bell suggested the Sussexes had not received the welcome they had hoped for. 'I'm not sure they've been greeted with the reception that they wanted,' he said.

He then described what he said some people thought about a possible security ultimatum. There is a sense that people say it's blackmail by them saying, 'If we don't get our security then we're going to move again.' This was Bell's account of a hypothetical position. The supplied material contains no evidence that Harry or Meghan made that statement or issued any ultimatum.

Bell's next remark was also conditional. 'If that is the case then I think most people would probably say good riddance. If you can't make up your mind because you can't get what you want then that just looks a bit pathetic.' His criticism turns on an 'if', rather than a confirmed decision by the couple.

US Return Rumours Remain Unconfirmed

The suggestion that the Sussexes might head back to America 'within weeks' came from some fans, according to the account. Harry's remarks to CTV offer no timetable for the family's plans.

Bell also argued that conspicuous security might be counterproductive. 'It seems as if the Sussexes are desperate to have that 'look at me' kind of security. Well, that security might actually be a bit more dangerous, particularly for someone like Harry and Meghan,' he said. He suggested that going 'under the radar' might be better.

He also contrasted the Sussexes with Prince William and Princess Catherine, saying they took Charlotte and Louis to Lambrook 'without fuss and bother'. His remarks did not establish that the families face the same security circumstances.