Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly living in Los Angeles with Archie, and a lot of people are pretty excited about it, especially fans of the couple. But others are decidedly less enthused, and the United States insists it's not helping with any security requests the two might have.
The president of the United States issued a statement via Twitter to inform the public that the country has no plans to fund Meghan and Harry's stay in the country. He wrote:
“I am a great friend and admirer of the Queen & the United Kingdom. It was reported that Harry and Meghan, who left the Kingdom, would reside permanently in Canada. Now they have left Canada for the U.S. however, the U.S. will not pay for their security protection. They must pay!”
That’s all well and good, it turns out, because the couple had no plans to ask for the US to pay for security anyway. Their spokesperson released a statement that reads:
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have no plans to ask the U.S. Government for security resources. Privately funded security arrangements have been made.”
The president's preemptive rejection did prompt a lot of additional questions. It had never been clear that Meghan and Harry intended to become permanent residents of Canada. For another, it wasn't known if the two ever even considered broaching the government of the United States and requesting funding. Their spokesperson made clear they had no plans to do so.
While Canada is a logical choice for a home for the family of three, they also have strong ties to Los Angeles and the United States. Meghan grew up in LA, and her mother Doria still lives in the city. It's believed that the three are staying with Doria and isolating in a "compound."
A source close to the pair told Entertainment Tonight that the move isn't a surprise: "It was always their plan to eventually be based in California since their work life will be focused in the U.S." It's believed that they intend to focus on doing charitable work via an organization of their own making.
They will also be exploring ways that they can make money as a couple and as individuals. Right now, it's unknown what roles they might be exploring. The same source said, "They need to find a balance where they raise money for their new foundation and have money-making ventures to support themselves."
A source also shared what the two have been up to while self-quarantining. ET explained "that the couple has been practicing safe behaviors to help flatten the curve and slow the spread of the disease. Meghan has been passing the time by video chatting with her friends, the source said, adding that she's even exchanged recipes with some of them on how to cook at home."
Harry and Meghan have also been using their social media channels to keep their followers updated on the latest information surrounding the virus. They've expressed their gratitude for health care workers around the world, saying that "the response from people in every walk of life, to protect and look out for their communities has been inspiring. None more so than the brave and dedicated healthcare workers on the frontline, risking their own well-being to care for the sick and fight COVID-19. Wherever you are in the world, we are all incredibly grateful."
They added, "For all of us, the best way we can support health workers is to make sure we do not make their job any harder by spreading this disease further. No matter where you are, the @WHO have shared some guidelines that can help. You may have seen or heard these before, but they are as important today as ever."
It's currently unknown if the family will be traveling back to the UK to celebrate Archie's first birthday with Harry's family in the country. Social distancing measures that have been put in place around the world may prohibit international travel as he turns 1 on May 6, 2020.
Presently, the royal family has had a brush with the virus that is winding around the world. Prince Charles was diagnosed with the virus earlier this month and has since been said to be in "good health" and to have recovered from the illness. He reportedly last saw the Queen on March 12, and she is said to also be quite healthy.
Buckingham Palace's official statement on the matter reads, "Her Majesty The Queen remains in good health. The Queen last saw The Prince of Wales briefly on the morning of 12th March and is following all the appropriate advice with regard to her welfare."
