Harry and Meghan’s ‘VVIP’ status ahead of Invictus Games in the Netherlands
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be given a special 'VVIP' status when they attend the Invictus Games, amid a security row with the British government.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been at the centre of a falling out ever since they left The Firm in March 2020, stepping down from their duties as senior royals.
Recently, Harry swerved the memorial to commemorate one year since the passing of his grandfather Prince Philip at a service in Westminster Abbey attended by the rest of the royals and the Queen herself.
It is reported that Harry did not attend the royal event, which was heavily guarded, due to safety concerns. Some have since questioned why Diana and Charles' second son might feel safer in the Netherlands, where The Invictus Games kick off on Saturday April 16.
The games run until Friday, April 22 and is an international sporting event that features troops from all around the world competing in sports events.
The event also aims to promote a wider understanding of what badly injured troops go through.
What is VVIP status?
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VVIP status means 'Very Very Important Persons' and they have been assured there is "no credible threat" to them when they attend the Invictus Games in The Hague, Netherlands.
A source told the Mirror: "In any case, as they are attending a high profile event in the Netherlands both the Duke and Duchess have been classed as VVIPs for the duration of their stay and overall responsibility for their safety at all times while in the Netherlands will be with the Dutch authorities."
Despite this, it is reported they will not receive an audience with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima. The Sussexes have not been offered a room in the royal palace.
They will travel with a private security team who have confirmed they will be protected by Dutch officials, while also accompanied by a Netflix documentary crew.
Harry and Meghan's security team will not be allowed to use guns, but Dutch police will step in during any situation where they are needed.
Their protections include a "detailed extraction processes" in the event of a "personal or larger scale terror attack" and they are also said to have undergone hostile environment training.
Why might Harry and Meghan feel safer in the Netherlands?
Harry is currently bringing a claim against the UK Home Office after he was told he would no longer receive the same level of protection when he returns to the UK. This is despite him offering to pay for the protection himself.
A source told the Mirror: "Harry and Meghan have received absolute top assurances that there is no credible threat to their safety.
"This is the view of the Dutch authorities and other agencies across the continent."
The former head of royal protection at Scotland Yard, Dai Davies, said the idea that Harry would not be able to come to the UK due to security fears in "sheer unadulterated nonsense".
The duke is set to stay for the duration of the full event, with Meghan only attending the first few days before returning to children Archie and Lillibet.
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