The possession and use of firearms by PSC (Private Security Company) personnel in the EU varies greatly from geopolitical, economic, law differences and interrelationship with ethnic minorities. Indeed, whilst Ireland, Denmark, France and Netherlands firearms are prohibited for private security personnel, they are permitted by all other EU countries despite the fact that European Commission is trying to draw a regultion line in all countries to be followed, however, even in those countries where the possession of firearms is permitted, the level of control or criteria needed to legally possess these weapons differ greatly. Generally speaking there are limitations on the circumstances required for the possession and on the type of weapon that can be carried.Use of firearms by Private Security Personnel on European Countries
How often have armed security in the UK brandished their weapons to protect the royals?
I also think Harry, being former military, likes the prestige of having an armed entourage because it denotes a certain level of importance… even though he is no longer working for the royal family. The UK is not like the US… guns are not allowed so the threat level is a bit different.
*Note: I highlighted the part to which I am responding.
The monarchy relies strongly upon public opinion.
More importantly, I feel as time goes by, the public will tire of the monarchy as questionable methods were/are employed to keep them relevant.
If one pays attention to the news surrounding tabloid journalism and then see it through the lens of how Harry and Meghan have been treated (and Diana before that), most decent folk may actually form negative opinions about the actors involved.
I know the UK is no longer part of the EU. The point was that other countries don’t allow or have restrictions regarding guns also. Sorry, I didn’t think I needed to spell that out.
I will muddy the waters further in that I think he actually has UK security but needs to provide them with 28 days notice of his trips so arrangements can be made. He doesn’t find that sufficient.
To me, it seems he’d like his security reinstated period, no matter where he is. I think that’s what the UK is pushing back on.
Someone said Charles is a weak king if he can’t fix this - yes, the monarchy is designed to be powerless. But also - imagine the outrage if he tried to interfere in UK security decisions.
That doesn’t say the tide is turning. The implication is that Harry should stop complaining about how hard done by he is. And then Harry’s supporters jumped in to say how well he is doing and William must be jealous of his success.
Correct. It doesn’t say the tide is turning. If it did I would’ve put it in quotes and italics.
I typed: “The tide may be turning.”
My main impetus for sharing articles and participating in this discussion is pushing back on the hateful rhetoric. I didn’t particularly care much about Harry and Meghan but the vitriol directed at them seem extreme. It began to disturb me when I tried to understand the hate (yes, hate…not dislike) and connected it to the media narrative. It was put forth by the UK tabloids (lots of anonymous royal insiders) that in turn got spread by other “news” outlets. The amplification of the hate was difficult to ignore…especially as Harry and Meghan pushed back and didn’t remain silent about the abuse.
My curiosity was genuinely piqued. So I occasionally Google them. For many months I was aghast with the hateful preoccupation and daily news/headlines coming from those questionable tabloids. I didn’t click them, but noted the similarity of the headlines…quite the echo chamber imo.
However articles like “Prince William Is ‘A Bit Envious’ of Prince Harry: Sources (Exclusive)” makes me wonder if Harry and Meghan will get their redemption story. I suspect as more people question the motives and the relationship between the tabloids and the Royals, the public will gravitate toward the more charismatic and seemingly more genuine brother and his wife. I could be right. I could be wrong. Time will tell.
There will always be critics, especially among a certain segment fed by the tabloids. Imo they’re too emotionally invested in the vitriolic narrative concerning Harry and Meghan. I don’t believe it will ever completely go away.
What I think we’ll see is more balanced and more truthful reporting. The Royal facade has serious cracks in it. They lost control of the narrative when Harry and Meghan removed themselves from the situation. The operative word here is control.
You post many articles on this thread in order to keep us continually informed of the ‘hateful preoccupation’ with Harry and Meghan, but you seem to have your own bias against William and Catherine:
“… the public will gravitate toward the more charismatic and seemingly more genuine brother and his wife.”
I am pretty sure that they are equally charismatic and genuine, no need to pit them against each other
I can understand your impression, and I take no offense, because you don’t know me personally. I know that in my heart I have no animosity toward William and Kate.
My posts in this thread stems from my belief that there is some kind of invisible contract (access journalism deal) between the Royal family and the tabloids. I dislike this type of arrangement as its consequences are apparent if you pay attention to the news here in the US. Case in point: Dylan Howard. His connections to the Harry and Meghan reporting (when I believe he was at The Globe) has strange parallels imo.
As for:
The comparison between the two couples was a momentary lapse in judgment…I’ll try not to do it again. While trying to explain why I think challenging times are ahead for the monarchy I did venture into sharing my opinion. For the record I believe a lot of my perception concerning W&K (less charismatic/less genuine) is probably due to their following strict protocols. I feel for them.
Of course there are agreements or at least favorite media people where stories are leaked. I’m sure Harry and Meghan have their favorites over here too.
I can’t believe none of the Royal family, major or minor, will let Harry couch surf with them for that weekend. If King Charles won’t let him stay at Windsor, how about at his ‘cottage’ or perhaps at Buckingham Palace? How about Uncles Andrew or Edward?
I’m having a lot of guests for my nephew’s wedding this summer and we’ll all squeeze in somehow.