Prince Harry seeks UK security funding for family return

Prince Harry has reportedly approached the Home Secretary to clarify security provisions for his family in the UK, as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their intention to return to Britain. The potential annual taxpayer cost for round-the-clock armed police protection for the couple and their children could exceed £5 million, according to reports.

The couple's announcement marks a return to the UK six years after they stepped back from royal duties. They have reportedly secured private accommodation outside of London and chosen schools for their children, Prince Archie, aged seven, and Princess Lilibet, aged five. Their status will remain that of private individuals and non-working members of the royal family.

Security Assessment Review

Prince Harry is understood to have "privately pleaded" with Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, for a definitive decision on his family’s security funding. His UK security arrangements were previously reviewed by MPs on the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) at the end of July. This assessment followed a review by its risk management board (RMB).

The RMB determined that Prince Harry was not eligible for state-funded security. However, reports suggest that the committee members were not aware of his plans to permanently relocate back to the UK when they made their decision. The King was reportedly informed of the couple's move three days before it was made public and is understood to welcome the opportunity for more family contact.

Prince Harry has been involved in a lengthy legal dispute with the Home Office concerning security arrangements for himself and his family when they are in the UK. His level of protection was altered after he ceased to be a working royal in 2020. Following a Court of Appeal challenge against the Home Office last year, which he lost, Prince Harry expressed hopes for family reconciliation in a BBC interview. He stated at the time that he could not envision bringing his wife and children back to the UK under the current circumstances.