Prince Harry has appealed directly to the Home Secretary for a decision regarding security provisions for his family as they prepare for a return to the United Kingdom. The Duke of Sussex is reportedly seeking clarity on whether his family will receive taxpayer-funded protection during their upcoming stay.
The matter has gained urgency as Harry has announced a swift return to the UK with his family, a move that contrasts with his previous assertions that the UK was not a safe environment for them. This change of plans is speculated to be influenced by potential acting opportunities for the Duchess of Sussex.
A review of Prince Harry's security, which he maintains should be funded by the taxpayer despite no longer being a working royal, was conducted by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee's (Ravec) risk management board in late July. It has been suggested that the board was not fully informed of the Duke's intentions to permanently relocate his family to the UK when it made its considerations. Initial estimates for armed police protection for the family in the UK were reported to be upwards of £5 million annually, a figure that could increase if the Home Office agrees to continued funding for a permanent UK residence.
This review followed a protracted dispute over his eligibility for state-funded security after he lost a legal challenge against the government last year. The Court of Appeal had previously ruled that his grievance did not constitute a valid legal argument. Following this decision, Harry blamed an 'establishment stitch up' but continued to pursue a fresh risk management board review, including writing to the Home Secretary.
Sources indicate that Harry feels 'numbed' by the ongoing struggle for security assurances. While he has been informed that the review is complete, he has not yet received the results despite his persistent inquiries. The Duke has consistently argued that taxpayer funding is justified due to his and his family's high-profile status, viewing the cost as a minor part of Ravec's overall royal protection budget. This contrasts with other non-working royals, such as his cousins Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, who do not receive police protection.
Ravec, responsible for decisions on royal security, comprises representatives from the Royal household, the Metropolitan Police, the Home Office, the Cabinet Office, and the Foreign Office. Previously, Ravec determined the level of protection for the Duke during his visits to the UK. Relations between Harry and some committee members have been described as strained.
During the last comprehensive risk assessment in April 2019, Prince Harry was categorized as a high-profile target, assessed at the highest security level, seven out of seven. His right to a full risk assessment was granted late last year, with a March assessment subsequently delayed until summer due to a pause in all risk management board meetings. When the assessment was eventually convened, it reportedly included a 40-page report from the Duke's private security company, compiled at the Home Office's request. This report highlighted the potential for terrorists to cause a 'mass casualty event' through a 'violent attack' at a public event targeting the Duke. Prince Harry has faced numerous serious threats in the past, with individuals jailed for plotting to kill him or encouraging attacks against him.