Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, may see a change in his security arrangements when visiting the United Kingdom, with reports suggesting a review of his police protection detail has concluded. This follows Prince Harry’s strong disagreement with the Royal and VIP Executive Committee’s (RAVEC) decision to remove his 24-hour armed protection in 2020, after he and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped down as senior working royals.
It’s understood that the Home Office has initiated a fresh assessment of the potential threats faced by the Duke – the first such review in five years.
Harry’s Concerns and Previous Legal Battles
In a candid BBC interview conducted earlier this year, following the dismissal of his legal appeal to reinstate his round-the-clock security, Prince Harry alleged “interference” from the Royal Household in the initial 2020 decision. He claimed this interference led to a drastic shift in his security status, moving him from being considered the most at-risk royal to the least threatened “overnight.” When questioned about the specific aspects of his current security arrangements that made him feel unsafe, the Duke stated simply: “Everything.” He attributed the situation to a “good old-fashioned establishment stitch-up,” concluding that “the other side have won in keeping me unsafe.”
Currently residing in California with Meghan Markle and their children, Archie and Lilibet, the couple reportedly spends millions of dollars annually on private security. The potential reinstatement of his official security detail could encourage the Duke and Duchess to spend more time in the UK.
Earlier this year, Prince Harry expressed that it would be “impossible” to bring Meghan and their children back to the UK after losing the legal challenge concerning the withdrawal of his security. Despite expressing his love for the UK, he lamented that he wouldn’t be able to share his homeland with his children. The return of 24-hour armed police protection might change this, allowing Archie and Lilibet to visit their grandfather, King Charles, whom they haven’t seen since Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022.
The Review Process and Potential Outcomes
While the Home Office typically refrains from commenting on the security details of high-profile individuals, there are indications that the review process is well underway. Police officers, government officials, and members of Prince Harry’s team have reportedly been consulted. Harry’s team is expected to advocate strongly for the reinstatement of his 24-hour armed security. Prince Harry himself has reportedly written to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, requesting a reassessment of his risk level after she assumed the role.
Sources suggest that RAVEC could reach a decision as early as next month. If Prince Harry’s security detail is fully restored, the costs would be borne by taxpayers whenever he is on British soil.
Current Security Protocols
Presently, Prince Harry is required to notify the Metropolitan Police 30 days before any planned visit to the UK. Each visit is then assessed individually. However, it was reported that the Metropolitan Police voluntarily provided personal security to Prince Harry during his visit to London in September.
Despite his legal defeat against the Home Office in May regarding taxpayer-funded police protection after stepping down as a working royal, senior Met officers reportedly “acted on their own initiative” to offer him protection during his attendance at the WellChild Awards. This decision was made independently of the Home Office and the Royal Family, and was based on the high profile nature of the event and the presence of many children.
Security Breaches and Potential Threats
During his solo trip to the UK in September, Prince Harry also met with his father, the King, for the first time in 19 months. However, it was revealed that a stalker fixated on the Prince managed to get within close proximity to him on two separate occasions during the visit.
On September 9, the woman gained access to a “secure zone” at a hotel in central London where Prince Harry was staying.
Two days later, she was intercepted by a member of Prince Harry’s private security team at the Centre for Blast Injury Studies in west London, where no police presence was in place.
Official Statements
A Home Office spokesperson stated: “The UK Government’s protective security system is rigorous and proportionate. It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals’ security.” Prince Harry’s representatives have declined to comment on the matter.