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Prince Harry’s BBC interview deepens divides with old friends over royal security and family tensions

Friday, 9 May 2025 12:13AM UTC

Prince Harry’s recent BBC interview has sparked fresh controversy, revealing sharp disagreements with former friends and ongoing disputes over his UK security rights, highlighting the strained relationships within the royal circle amidst his continuing efforts to protect his family.

Prince Harry’s Controversial BBC Interview: A Rift with Old Friends

In a revealing interview with the BBC, Prince Harry made headlines last week with a series of stark claims about his relationship with the royal family and the ongoing concerns surrounding his security. Following a court ruling that dismissed his appeal regarding UK security rights, the Duke of Sussex, now 40, spoke candidly about the ramifications of his family's decisions since he stepped back from royal duties.

Harry asserted that he remains deeply worried about the safety of his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. He suggested that the Palace had a hand in diminishing his security rights, a dramatic statement that coincides with the turbulent year of 2020, when Harry and Meghan transitioned to life in America. “I mean, I don’t know how long my father has left,” he remarked, hinting at a tension that extends beyond personal rifts to familial health concerns.

While his friends have largely rallied around him following the abrupt loss of his court case, notable dissent has emerged from his oldest circle. Ben Goldsmith, a childhood friend, labelled Harry’s recent behaviour as “unforgivable”. This sentiment was echoed by another acquaintance, who described Harry’s remarks about his father’s health and insinuations regarding threats to his life as “disgusting.” Such critiques indicate a potential fracture in Harry's relationships, as longstanding friends express disappointment over his public statements.

Harry's interview is not only a reflection of personal grievances but also a window into broader themes affecting many former royals. Since relocating to the United States, the Duke has publicly challenged the UK government’s approach to his security, arguing that the decision to remove his protection was both unjust and dangerous. His legal representatives have stressed that the risks tied to his public profile necessitate ongoing security measures, a claim that has sparked discussions regarding the responsibilities of the state towards individuals of royal lineage.

The controversy around Harry's remarks extends to his aspirations for a potential return to the UK with his family. In a December interview, he emphasised the need for safety as a prerequisite for contemplating this move. His desire to reconnect with Britain reflects an ongoing internal conflict between personal and public identities, influenced by a heightened awareness of his family's past struggles within the royal institution.

Despite the surrounding tensions, some figures within the royal fold maintain a glimmer of hope for reconciliation. Gary Goldsmith, uncle of Kate Middleton, has suggested that forgiveness is possible and that there may be room for Harry to reintegrate with his relatives. This perspective contrasts sharply with the backlash from Harry's friends and underscores the polarising nature of the public discourse surrounding his actions.

As the saga unfolds, it becomes increasingly evident that Prince Harry stands at the crossroads of familial obligations and personal convictions, a theme that resonates deeply not only with him but with many who have traversed similar paths of public and private conflict. The growing discontent among his former allies may serve as both a catalyst for reflection and a reminder of the complexities entrenched within the royal narrative.

Reference Map:

Paragraph 1 – [[1]](https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/2052607/prince-harry-old-friends-royal-interview), [[5]](https://apnews.com/article/prince-harry-challenges-uk-government-security-ff8146324be6c1674c26e05f433bb017)
Paragraph 2 – [[1]](https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/2052607/prince-harry-old-friends-royal-interview), [[4]](https://abc11.com/prince-harry-interview-spare-royal-family-book/12680102/)
Paragraph 3 – [[1]](https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/2052607/prince-harry-old-friends-royal-interview), [[6]](https://news.sky.com/story/prince-harry-stunned-when-royals-allowed-his-security-to-be-removed-and-says-queen-sad-but-not-surprised-when-they-stepped-back-12783192)
Paragraph 4 – [[2]](https://www.thedailybeast.com/prince-harry-says-he-wants-to-come-back-to-the-uk-if-it-is-safe/), [[7]](https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/dec/05/prince-harry-challenges-home-office-over-decision-to-downgrade-security)
Paragraph 5 – [[3]](https://people.com/kate-middleton-uncle-gary-goldsmith-predicts-prince-harry-will-come-back-be-part-of-the-gang-8604925), [[4]](https://abc11.com/prince-harry-interview-spare-royal-family-book/12680102/)

Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/2052607/prince-harry-old-friends-royal-interview - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.thedailybeast.com/prince-harry-says-he-wants-to-come-back-to-the-uk-if-it-is-safe/ - In a December 2023 interview, Prince Harry expressed his desire to return to the UK with his family, contingent upon ensuring their safety. He emphasized the importance of police protection for his children to feel at home in the UK. This statement highlights Harry's ongoing concerns about security and his commitment to his family's well-being. The interview sheds light on his aspirations to reconnect with his homeland while addressing the challenges posed by security considerations.
https://people.com/kate-middleton-uncle-gary-goldsmith-predicts-prince-harry-will-come-back-be-part-of-the-gang-8604925 - Gary Goldsmith, the uncle of Kate Middleton, commented on Prince Harry's potential return to the royal fold. He acknowledged Harry's previous close relationship with the family and suggested that despite past controversies, there is a possibility for reconciliation. Goldsmith expressed hope for Harry's reintegration, emphasizing the family's capacity for forgiveness and the potential for Harry to rejoin the royal circle in the future.
https://abc11.com/prince-harry-interview-spare-royal-family-book/12680102/ - In an interview promoting his book 'Spare,' Prince Harry discussed the challenges he faced within the royal family, particularly concerning security and his relationship with his brother, Prince William. He recounted the difficulties in negotiating a different royal role and the impact of media coverage on his family. Harry's reflections provide insight into the complexities of royal life and the personal struggles he encountered during his transition away from royal duties.
https://apnews.com/article/prince-harry-challenges-uk-government-security-ff8146324be6c1674c26e05f433bb017 - Prince Harry legally challenged the UK government's decision to remove his security detail after he stepped back from royal duties and moved to the United States. His legal team argued that the decision was irrational and failed to consider the risks associated with his profile and status within the royal family. The case underscores the ongoing debate over security provisions for former royals and the balance between personal privacy and public safety.
https://news.sky.com/story/prince-harry-stunned-when-royals-allowed-his-security-to-be-removed-and-says-queen-sad-but-not-surprised-when-they-stepped-back-12783192 - In a January 2023 interview, Prince Harry expressed his shock at the royal family's decision to remove his security protection after he and Meghan Markle stepped back from their royal roles. He recounted his feelings of being 'stunned' by the move and shared his perception that the Queen was 'sad but not surprised' by their decision to step back. The interview provides personal insights into Harry's experiences and emotions during this transitional period.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/dec/05/prince-harry-challenges-home-office-over-decision-to-downgrade-security - Prince Harry challenged the UK Home Office's decision to downgrade his security arrangements following his departure from royal duties. His legal team argued that the decision was unlawful and failed to consider the broader impact of a potential attack on him, given his status and profile within the royal family. The case highlights the complexities surrounding security provisions for former royals and the legal avenues pursued to address perceived injustices.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 9

Notes: The content is recent and references contemporary events, but it lacks specific dates for the interview. It is likely based on recent news, but the exact date is not provided.

Quotes check

Score: 6

Notes: While direct quotes are mentioned, the earliest references could not be verified online. The narrative suggests these quotes are from a specific interview, but without an exact source or date, it's difficult to confirm.

Source reliability

Score: 7

Notes: The narrative originates from the Daily Express, a UK newspaper known for its sensational journalism. The reliability can vary depending on the context and the specific journalist involved.

Plausability check

Score: 8

Notes: The claims about Prince Harry's security concerns and rifts with friends are plausible given the context of recent royal controversies and legal challenges. However, some specific details lack verifiable evidence.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The narrative discusses recent and plausible events surrounding Prince Harry's interview, but lacks specific dates and direct verification of quotes. The source is generally reliable but can be sensationalised, contributing to a medium confidence rating.

Prince Harry
BBC interview
Royal family
Security rights
Meghan Markle
Royal relationships