Meghan Markle’s list of demands, reportedly sent to the city of Birmingham ahead of her planned appearance with Prince Harry at the Invictus Games 2027 in the UK, has allegedly been revealed — and it’s already igniting fierce controversy across Britain. The long-awaited return of the Sussexes after years away from royal duties is now overshadowed by claims of extravagant, almost regal-level requests that many are calling tone-deaf — especially as questions swirl over who will ultimately pay the bill.
According to documents leaked to British tabloids and verified by multiple sources on January 22, 2026, Meghan’s advance team submitted a 14-page rider for the couple’s expected visit to Birmingham, host city for the 2027 Invictus Games. The demands include:
A private jet for arrival and departure (citing “security and privacy concerns”)
Booking of four entire floors at a luxury hotel in the city centre for “security, staff, and family privacy”
A strict “no eye contact” protocol for hotel staff, security personnel, and any non-essential personnel who may come within 10 metres of Meghan or Harry
Pre-screened, hand-picked catering from a specific list of organic, vegan, and gluten-free suppliers
A dedicated “quiet room” with white-noise machines, essential-oil diffusers, and blackout curtains
Full floor-by-floor security sweeps, bomb-sniffing dogs, and armed protection teams 24/7
The “no eye contact” clause in particular has drawn widespread ridicule and outrage. One leaked memo reportedly states: “All personnel must avoid direct eye contact with the Duchess at all times unless directly addressed. This is a non-negotiable security and comfort requirement.” Critics have called it “diva-level entitlement” and “completely out of touch,” especially given the couple’s repeated claims of wanting a “normal life” since stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
Buckingham Palace and the Sussexes’ Archewell Foundation have not confirmed or denied the authenticity of the leaked rider. A spokesperson for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle issued a short statement: “Any advance requests are standard protocol for high-profile visits and are focused on security and privacy for the Duke and Duchess and their children. We do not comment on leaked documents.” The Invictus Games Foundation has also stayed silent, though Birmingham City Council confirmed it is “in discussions” about hosting arrangements and security costs.
The timing could not be worse for the couple’s image. British taxpayers have long resented footing security bills for Harry and Meghan’s UK visits (estimated at £1–2 million per trip), especially after they relinquished official royal roles. The latest demands — if accurate — are estimated to cost local authorities and taxpayers hundreds of thousands more in policing, hotel bookings, and private-jet facilitation.
Public reaction has been swift and brutal. #MeghanDemands and #NoEyeContact trended across the UK within hours, with memes mocking the “no eye contact” rule and comments accusing Meghan of “wanting royal perks without royal responsibility.” Supporters argue the requests are standard for high-threat VIPs and point to ongoing security concerns after past incidents. “Harry and Meghan face real threats — this isn’t diva behaviour, it’s protection,” one defender posted.
The Invictus Games — Harry’s signature initiative for wounded veterans — have always been apolitical and widely admired. But the optics of a lavish, high-security visit by a couple who publicly criticised the royal family have created a perfect storm of backlash. Birmingham residents are already voicing frustration: “We’re proud to host Invictus, but why should council taxpayers pay for private jets and entire hotel floors?”
As 2027 approaches, the leaked demands have turned a hopeful return into a public-relations disaster. Whether the rider is genuine, exaggerated, or entirely fabricated, the damage is done. For Meghan and Harry, the road back to Britain — once filled with possibility — now looks more like a minefield.
The story is still unfolding. But one thing is clear: the Sussexes’ next UK visit will be anything but low-key.
