The potential return of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to the United Kingdom for an extended period could incur significant costs for taxpayers, with security experts estimating an annual expenditure of up to £5 million. This situation raises questions about whether their security will be privately funded or borne by the public purse, particularly given their decision to step back from royal duties six years ago.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are planning to leave their California home and move to an undisclosed location within the UK, outside of London. Reports suggest Meghan may have visited schools in the Cotswolds area during a previous visit by Prince Harry for an Invictus Games event in July, and there are claims the couple could be moving into a celebrity-owned property in the region.
Prince Harry's previous visits to the UK were not automatically covered by police protection due to a protracted dispute with the Home Office, which downgraded his security detail after he ceased to be a working royal in 2020. However, his and Meghan's imminent arrival with their children, Archie and Lilibet, is expected to prompt a review of their security arrangements by the highest levels of government.
While Prime Minister Andy Burnham has described the funding of their security as a "private matter," a former cabinet minister expressed concern that taxpayers would find it difficult to accept bearing the cost. This individual suggested that the situation has been a "display of flagrant entitlement" and predicted that the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), which determines security requirements for royals, would likely re-examine the Sussexes' case. Such a review would involve extensive consultation, including with His Majesty the King, and would consider potential liabilities if an incident were to occur.
Sources familiar with security costs estimate that round-the-clock protection for a family of four could amount to millions annually, possibly between £3 million and £5 million. These costs are expected to be scrutinized by the public, with questions hinging on Harry's future conduct.
Harry's unexpected announcement of a return to Britain has been notable given his reportedly strained relationships with his father, King Charles, and his brother, Prince William. In an effort to mend ties with the King, Harry is reported to have agreed to refrain from discussing family matters publicly. King Charles is said to have welcomed the news of his son's return.
This decision contrasts with Harry's previous statements in 2025, when he told the BBC he "can't see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK" due to safety concerns. His change of heart has led to speculation about whether his perception of the threat has shifted or if he has secured private security.
Former head of royalty protection for the Metropolitan Police, Dai Davies, believes the likelihood of Harry receiving the security he desires has "gone up considerably" due to his family's presence and residency in the UK. Davies noted that a "genuine potential threat" exists and that the situation warrants a professional review, acknowledging that the dynamic has changed.
Ailsa Anderson, former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth, commented that the public would expect transparency regarding the funding of any security arrangements. She added that with many individuals facing financial difficulties, it would likely not be well-received if the public felt they were funding the security of non-working members of the Royal Family.