Prince Harry has privately appealed to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood for a definitive answer regarding security arrangements for his family during their upcoming return to the United Kingdom. The Duke of Sussex is reportedly seeking confirmation on whether he will receive taxpayer-funded police protection, a matter that could potentially cost the public purse millions annually.
Sources indicate that Harry has made a direct plea to the Home Secretary for clarity on his security status ahead of his family's planned arrival in Britain within weeks. This development comes after a review of his security was reportedly conducted by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee's (Ravec) risk management board at the end of July. However, it is understood that the board was not fully aware of the Sussex family's intention to permanently relocate back to the UK when the review was undertaken.
Initial estimates for armed police protection for the family in the UK previously exceeded £5 million per year. Should the Home Office agree to fund his security and the family establishes permanent residency, these costs could escalate significantly.
The renewed push for security assurances follows a protracted dispute over Harry's eligibility for taxpayer-funded support as a non-working member of the Royal Family. This issue was a central point in his unsuccessful legal challenge against the government last year, where the Court of Appeal ruled that his grievance did not constitute a valid legal argument. Despite losing the case, Harry has continued to advocate for a fresh risk assessment, including direct correspondence with the Home Secretary.
Harry is said to feel "numbed" by the ongoing struggle to secure protection for his family. While informed that the review has concluded, he has reportedly not yet received the official outcome, despite his persistent inquiries.
The urgency of the matter has intensified given Harry's announcement of his family's sudden return to the UK, a move that contrasts with his previous statements about the UK not being a safe environment to bring his children. The possibility of an acting role for Meghan Markle in the Netflix series "The Gentleman" is suggested as a potential factor behind this change of plans.
Prince Harry has consistently argued that taxpayer funding for his family's security is warranted due to their potential high-profile target status. He reportedly views this expense as a minor part of Ravec's overall budget for royal protection.
Unlike Harry, other non-working royals, including his cousins Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, do not receive official police protection when in the UK.
Ravec, the committee responsible for making decisions on royal security, comprises representatives from the Royal household, the Metropolitan Police, the Home Office, the Cabinet Office, and the Foreign Office. The committee previously determined the level of protection Harry would receive during his visits to the UK.
Relations between Prince Harry and certain committee members have been described as strained in the past. A previous risk assessment conducted in April 2019 categorized Harry as a high-level target, placing him in the highest security category. His successful bid for a full risk assessment late last year was delayed, eventually being convened in the summer after an initial pause.
During the most recent assessment, a 40-page report compiled by the Duke's private security company, at the Home Office's request, was reportedly considered. This report warned of the potential for terrorists to orchestrate a "mass casualty event" through a violent attack on the Duke at a public event. Prince Harry has previously been the subject of serious threats, with individuals being prosecuted for plotting to harm him or inciting attacks against him.