Prince Harry and Meghan Markle call out ‘double standard’ in Princess Kate Middleton family security dispute

A security dispute involving Princess Kate Middleton's family has reportedly struck a nerve with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, with a source revealing the couple view the situation as yet another example of a double standard being applied to them. The controversy centres on James Matthews, husband of Pippa Middleton, who is fighting to keep an electric gate installed at their Berkshire property in 2022 after complaints arose that it was blocking a public path.

According to a report by The Telegraph, Matthews, 50, is citing the high profile nature of being a royal in-law as justification for the barrier, arguing there was "a need for a higher level of security" for himself, his wife Pippa, 42, and their three children, Arthur, 7, Grace, 5, and Rose, 3. A spokesperson for the couple also alleged the path in question was always private until a 2023 application was submitted to recognise it as a public route.

Why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are said to be frustrated

A source close to the Sussexes told Star that Harry and Meghan have no objection to Pippa and James having the gate itself, but take issue with the broader principle at play. "Harry and Meghan have no issue with Pippa and James being allowed to have this gate. If they feel they need protection they should have it," the source said. "What infuriates Meghan and Harry is the double standard."

The Sussexes were stripped of their government-funded police detail upon stepping down as senior working royals in 2020, and Harry has spent years attempting to have it reinstated. "He has been treated as though he's totally out of bounds and shouldn't dare ask for so-called special treatment," the source continued. "Yet, the palace reaction to Pippa and James seemingly asking for special treatment has been the opposite. No one is raising a fuss about them taking advantage."

The wider frustration with what Prince Harry and Meghan Markle call double standards

While the nature of Harry's security request is clearly on a different scale to a property gate, the source said the situation had nonetheless hit a nerve for the couple. "It's always been one set of rules for Harry and another set for everyone else," the source shared. "Harry and Meghan have noticed for ages that the Middletons seem to be able to write their own rulebook. It's very frustrating but nothing new."

The dispute adds another layer to the ongoing tension between the Sussexes and the wider royal establishment, with Harry's legal battle over police protection remaining unresolved.