Prince Harry’s plans for a “more peaceful life” away from the royal spotlight have already been cast into doubt as he joined his wife, Meghan, and son, Archie, in Canada on Tuesday amid a fresh paparazzi feud.
The publication of photographs showing the Duchess of Sussex hiking with baby Archie and their dogs in Canadian woodland prompted a warning to the media from the couple’s lawyers against running images without consent, a royal source has confirmed.
The images were used in a number of media outlets, including on the front page of British tabloid newspaper the Sun.
Harry has had an uneasy relationship with the press since his childhood; brought up under the glare of publicity, the young prince saw his mother, Princess Diana, struggle with the paparazzi. Diana died after a high speed chase of her car through Paris by photographers.
Last year, Harry accepted “substantial damages” and an apology from a picture agency that used a helicopter to take photos of the home he shared with Meghan, forcing the couple to move out.
The latest scuffle comes just days after the couple finalized the terms of their split from official British royal family duties, a move intended to allow them a life further from the public eye.
A royal spokesperson told CNN they would not comment on the family’s private schedule.
Strong Canada connection
Photos in UK media showed Harry walking off a plane early Tuesday on Vancouver Island, where the family spent time over Christmas holidays with the Duchess’ mother, Doria Ragland.
Meghan lived in the country for seven years and the couple say they have a “strong connection to Canada.”
The Sussexes are set to embark on a proposed new life in the country, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said last week that discussions are ongoing in over who will pay the costs of their security detail.
The prince’s departure from the UK follows a turbulent period in which Harry and Meghan agreed to give up their royal titles and end their official duties.
The couple made the shock announcement that they were stepping back from senior royal duties on Instagram on January 8, and the Queen announced a transition period had been agreed Saturday.
Conversations with the pair had been going on for months, said the monarch in a statement.
“I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family,” read the statement.
Under the terms of the deal, Harry and Meghan will no longer represent the Queen as working royals, splitting their time between the UK and North America as they work toward becoming financially independent.