Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly planning an extended return to the United Kingdom, raising questions about the funding for their security. The couple, who stepped down as working royals in 2020, are expected to reside in Britain for a significant period, with their children, Archie and Lilibet, set to enroll in a local school. Their status as non-working royals will remain unchanged.
The uncertainty surrounding security costs comes just three months after Prince Harry lost a legal battle for taxpayer-funded armed police protection during visits to the UK. Harry had challenged a decision by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) that he should receive a different level of protection while in the country. His legal team argued that threats against him had not diminished due to his military service and past royal duties. However, England's senior judge, Master of the Rolls Sir Geoffrey Vos, ruled that the Duke's arguments did not translate into a legal case, meaning taxpayer-funded armed bodyguards would not be reinstated for the family.
This ruling had previously fueled speculation that the Sussexes might not return to the UK. Prince Harry had expressed sadness at the prospect of not being able to show his children his homeland. However, their imminent return suggests that assurances regarding security may have been sought or that alternative arrangements are being made.
The Duke and Duchess last visited Britain in July, meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove. This meeting was reportedly the first time King Charles had seen his grandchildren in four years. Prince Harry is said to be keen on reconciling with his father and has expressed hopes that King Charles will join him in opening the Invictus Games next July.
However, the couple's return may have caught some by surprise, with reports suggesting that King Charles was not informed of their plans to return for an extended stay when they met in July. The Daily Mail understands that the impending return was not mentioned during their meeting at Highgrove. Prince Harry was already scheduled to attend a WellChild Awards event in Britain next month, with prior arrangements for accommodation at Buckingham Palace.
The Sussexes intend to continue their professional endeavors while in the UK and will retain their home in Montecito, California. Their new residence in Britain has not yet been disclosed for privacy reasons. The couple's decision to step down as working royals in 2020, a move dubbed 'Megxit,' marked a significant departure from royal life. Following a review, Queen Elizabeth II confirmed they would not continue with public service duties and would not maintain a 'half in, half out' approach, leading to Prince Harry being stripped of his honorary military titles.
In the past, there have been allegations of difficult relations between Meghan Markle and palace staff, with some staff members reportedly experiencing distress. These claims were vehemently denied by Meghan, who described them as a smear campaign. Veteran royal correspondent Valentine Low reported on these bullying allegations in March 2021.