Harry and Meghan's Return to the UK Reignites the Battle Over Their Security

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's surprise announcement that they will return to the United Kingdom this month has reignited one of the most contentious questions of their post-royal life: how much publicly funded security they should receive on British soil.

Prince Harry and Meghan plan to relocate from the United States to a private, non-royal residence outside London. Their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, are enrolled to start school in September.

The Sussexes plan to settle in a private, non-royal residence outside London. Photo: TND Europe Desk (illustrative)

A Fresh Decision for Ravec

The couple's UK security was downgraded after they stepped back as working royals in 2020 and moved to California, where they have paid for their own private protection. The Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), an independent body overseen by the Home Office, must now make a new decision — previous arrangements were premised on the Sussexes not living in the UK permanently.

Ravec had concluded that because Prince Harry would be an infrequent visitor, his security needs would be assessed case by case. Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who does not decide royal security, called the arrangements a "private matter," adding: "It's a matter for Harry and for Meghan, and we wish them well in the move that they are making."

The Home Office said the UK's protective security system is rigorous and proportionate, but that it does not disclose details of individual arrangements.

Media interest in the Sussexes' return has been intense since the announcement. Photo: TND Europe Desk (illustrative)

A Long-Running Point of Tension

Security has been a flashpoint for years. Prince Harry lost a legal challenge last year over the level of protection he and his family are entitled to when visiting Britain — after which he told the BBC he "can't see a world" in which he would bring his family to the UK. The couple offered no comment on whether their private American security team would relocate with them.

Depending on Ravec's reassessment, the pair could receive the taxpayer-funded protection they have long sought. But with no suggestion they will resume full-time royal duties, they may qualify only for the limited security afforded to other non-working royals — a scenario that could become the source of fresh tension. Prince Harry's close links to the King and his military service in Afghanistan remain important considerations; any shortfall would have to be topped up from his own pocket.

The New Dispensation will follow Ravec's decision, the family's move this month and what the return means for Prince Harry's relationship with King Charles and Prince William.

Source: Based on reporting by BBC News.