PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN FACE STUNNING BACKLASH AS 94% OF ROYAL POLL VOTERS OPPOSE POLICE PROTECTION FOR ARCHIE AND LILIBET
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been dealt a fresh setback in the debate surrounding their family’s security after an overwhelming majority of respondents to a royal newspaper poll opposed taxpayer-funded police protection for their two children.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have faced years of controversy over their security arrangements, particularly following their decision to step away from senior royal duties.
Now, a new poll conducted by the Daily Express has revealed strong opposition among its participating readers to extending police protection to Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five.
Of the 6,145 people who took part, 94% voted against providing the children with police protection.
The result comes as the Sussex family awaits the outcome of a review concerning their security arrangements in Britain.
However, the poll represents the views of self-selected Express readers rather than a nationally representative survey of public opinion.
OVER 5,700 READERS REJECT CALL FOR ROYAL PROTECTION
The Daily Express launched its poll after veteran royal photographer Arthur Edwards argued that Archie and Lilibet should receive police protection because of their royal status.
Readers were asked whether they believed the Sussex children should be granted such protection.
Voting opened at 7am on Wednesday, October 28, and closed at 12:20pm the following day.
The results showed a decisive majority against the proposal.
A total of 5,766 respondents, representing approximately 94%, said the children should not receive police protection.
Another 313 people, or 5%, supported providing security, while 66 respondents, representing 1%, were undecided.
Although the findings reveal strong sentiment among participating readers, they do not establish the views of the wider British public.
The poll also has no authority over government decisions about royal security.
Nevertheless, the result highlights the controversy that continues to surround Harry and Meghan’s relationship with the British royal establishment.
ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHER MAKES EMOTIONAL APPEAL FOR ARCHIE AND LILIBET
The poll followed comments from Arthur Edwards, a veteran royal photographer who has covered the Royal Family for decades.
Edwards argued that Archie and Lilibet should receive appropriate protection because they remain members of the House of Windsor.
He also questioned why the children had spent several years growing up in California rather than enjoying closer relationships with their royal cousins in Britain.
The photographer suggested that the youngsters should have opportunities to spend time at royal residences such as Balmoral and Windsor.
His strongest argument concerned the potential security risks associated with their royal identities.
Edwards warned that an incident involving either child would provoke an enormous public reaction.
His comments reignited debate over whether royal children should receive protection regardless of their parents’ official positions within the monarchy.
Archie and Lilibet retain their prince and princess titles, despite Harry and Meghan no longer serving as working members of the Royal Family.
However, holding a royal title does not automatically establish eligibility for publicly funded police protection.
HARRY AND MEGHAN STILL AWAIT SECURITY REVIEW
The latest controversy comes as the Sussexes continue waiting for the outcome of a review of their security arrangements.
The review involves the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, commonly known as RAVEC, which plays a central role in determining protective security arrangements for members of the Royal Family and other qualifying individuals.
Harry and Meghan lost their automatic entitlement to the same level of police protection after stepping back from royal duties.
Their security arrangements have remained a contentious issue ever since.
Harry has repeatedly expressed concerns about the safety of his wife and children when visiting Britain.
The debate has become particularly significant following the family’s reported return to the UK in August 2026.
According to the Express report, the Sussexes are now believed to be living in the Cotswolds.
The couple have not publicly disclosed their precise residential arrangements.
The children are also reported to be attending school in Britain.
ARCHIE AND LILIBET REPORTEDLY CHANGED SCHOOLS OVER SECURITY CONCERNS
The Sussex children’s adjustment to life in Britain has attracted considerable attention since the family’s return.
According to the report, Archie and Lilibet initially enrolled at one school before transferring to another because of security concerns.
The precise circumstances surrounding the change have not been publicly established.
Harry has reportedly said that both children are enjoying their new school.
The development has added another dimension to the debate over their protection.
Supporters of the Sussexes argue that the children should not face unnecessary risks because of their parents’ public profiles or disagreements with the royal establishment.
Others maintain that decisions about police protection should be based on formal security assessments rather than royal titles or family relationships.
The Express poll indicates that its participating readers largely favour the latter position, although the survey did not explore respondents’ individual reasons.
Ultimately, any decision about protective arrangements rests with the relevant authorities rather than public opinion.
FAMILY REPORTEDLY TAKES OVERSEAS BREAK AMID PERSONAL DIFFICULTIES
The security controversy has emerged during a difficult period for Meghan, who is also facing renewed public attention surrounding allegations involving her estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr.
According to reports, Thomas Markle Jr. alleged that he discovered illegal images involving children among belongings at his father’s home in the Philippines.
He reportedly contacted authorities in the Philippines and the FBI.
Thomas Markle Sr. has strongly denied the allegations, describing them as false.
No finding of wrongdoing against him is established in the report.
The allegations remain separate from the debate over the Sussex children’s security.
However, the renewed publicity has reportedly caused considerable distress within Meghan’s family.
A source speaking to HELLO! Magazine claimed that Meghan had been deeply upset by the allegations and the attention surrounding them.
The source also suggested that the Duchess had previously decided to reduce her exposure to media coverage for the sake of her wellbeing.
According to the report, Harry and Meghan subsequently travelled overseas with Archie and Lilibet for a short break with close friends.
The trip was described as an opportunity for the family to spend time away from public scrutiny.
SECURITY QUESTION REMAINS UNRESOLVED
For Harry and Meghan, the latest poll adds another layer of public controversy to an issue that has followed them for years.
The couple have consistently maintained that their family’s safety is a serious concern.
Yet the Express survey suggests that many of its participating readers remain opposed to extending police protection to their children.
Arthur Edwards’ intervention has also highlighted a broader question about the responsibilities of the monarchy towards younger family members who hold royal titles but whose parents no longer undertake official duties.
Archie and Lilibet are still part of the royal family, but their circumstances differ significantly from those of children whose parents are working royals.
That distinction remains central to the continuing debate.
The Sussexes are awaiting the outcome of the security review, which could help clarify what protective arrangements may be available to them in Britain.
For now, the striking 94% poll result reflects strong opposition among Express readers, while the ultimate decision over Archie and Lilibet’s security remains in the hands of the authorities responsible for assessing potential risks.