A significant majority of Britons are against using taxpayer funds for the security of Prince Harry and Meghan, according to a recent poll. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their return to the UK last week, with their children set to begin at new British schools in September.
Concerns have been raised regarding who will finance the protection the couple desires, following Prince Harry's past disputes with the Home Office over security fees. The survey found that 71% of respondents believe the government should not cover the security costs for Harry and his family. Furthermore, 87% of those polled indicated that the Sussexes' private funds should cover all, or at least the majority, of their security expenses. An additional 52% suggested that the King's private funds should be used for all, a majority, or some of the fees.
Discussions surrounding taxpayer funding for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's security have been ongoing. Reports suggest that a review by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) risk management board was completed last month.
Prince Harry and Meghan's children, seven-year-old Archie and five-year-old Lilibet, have been enrolled in British schools and are scheduled to start classes in September. The family is expected to reside in a private residence outside of London, with speculation suggesting a move to the Cotswolds. Since relocating to the U.S., they have been living in Montecito, California, and also own a holiday home in Portugal.
Sources indicate that the King was reportedly surprised by the homecoming plans, having not been informed when Harry and Meghan met with him during their recent visit to Britain. Upon their return, the Sussexes' royal status will remain unchanged, and they will not be offered a 'half in, half out' role. Unlike other non-working royals such as Harry’s cousins Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, who do not receive police protection, the question of funding for Harry and Meghan's security, estimated to cost up to £5 million annually, remains a topic of public discussion.
The Prime Minister has stated that the Duke and Duchess's security is a 'private matter.' A previous poll indicated that fewer than a quarter of Britons believed Harry and Meghan should move back to the UK.
The couple, who married in 2018, were once part of a prominent royal foursome with the then-Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. However, in 2019, they established their own household, separate from William and Kate. In January 2020, the Duke and Duchess announced their intention to step back as senior members of the Royal Family, pursue financial independence, and divide their time between the UK and North America. By March 2020, they had established a permanent home in California, officially stepped down as senior royals, and ceased using their HRH titles.
Relations within the Royal Family reportedly became strained following public statements made by Prince Harry about his family members, including his brother, in his memoir 'Spare' and a Netflix documentary. In 'Spare,' Harry detailed alleged altercations and disagreements, including an account of an argument with Prince William over Meghan. He also alleged that William and Kate were aware of and reacted to his controversial choice of a Nazi uniform for a fancy dress party in 2005. The Netflix series mentioned accusations that Kensington Palace had protected William by issuing a statement denying a story about him bullying Harry out of the Royal Family.
A YouGov poll for The Times suggests that 32% of people desire a reconciliation between William and Harry and believe it is possible, while 26% wish for it but consider it unlikely. When asked about favorable opinions, Prince William received 76% approval, Catherine received 74%, Harry received 31%, and Meghan received 22%.