Harry and Meghan security: 'Limited' protection urged by ex-Home Secretaries

Prince Harry and Meghan are expected to relocate to the UK with their children later this month, prompting discussions about their security provisions. Two former Home Secretaries have publicly stated that the couple should be provided with a 'limited' and 'not full time' security package.

Proposals for Security Levels

Lord Blunkett, a former Home Secretary, suggested a 'happy medium' for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, proposing a security arrangement that involves one or two officers accompanying the principal. He indicated that such arrangements could be reviewed and adjusted based on intelligence information. This approach, he stated, would be 'perfectly reasonable to offer for the time being'.

Another former Home Secretary, who chose to remain anonymous, echoed this sentiment, calling for security to be 'limited and restricted and not full time'. This individual noted that while the cost of security is high, it could be managed within these parameters. They also acknowledged that it would be 'hard' to imagine the Prince and his family not receiving 'some protection'.

The Role of Ravec

The Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) is the body responsible for deciding whether high-profile individuals receive taxpayer-funded security and at what level. It is understood that Ravec is reopening its review of Prince Harry's request for an automatic right to police protection. A previous assessment, completed last month, focused on security during visits to the UK, rather than permanent residency.

Prince Harry has reportedly written to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood seeking further details on his security arrangements. While a final decision from Ravec is not expected before the couple's relocation, a temporary solution may be implemented in the interim. Sources close to the couple suggest their UK stay could be as short as six months.

Current Security Provisions

Currently, full-time publicly funded security is provided to King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Wales family. Prince Andrew's state-funded security bill now comes out of the King's personal finances. Other members of the royal family, such as Princess Anne and Prince Edward, receive taxpayer-funded protection, but not on a 24-hour basis. Most non-working royals do not receive any taxpayer-funded security.

A Home Office spokesperson stated that the UK government's protective security system is 'rigorous and proportionate', and that details regarding specific arrangements are not disclosed to maintain their integrity and effectiveness.