Prince Harry’s Struggle for Official Security in the UK
Prince Harry has been embroiled in a high-profile battle to secure taxpayer-funded security for himself, his wife Meghan, and their children when they visit the UK. Despite his insistence that such protection is necessary for their safety, the Home Office appears hesitant, fearing potential public backlash if the request is granted.
Harry has emphasized that he and his family should receive official police protection during their visits, similar to other senior members of the royal family. However, this protection was withdrawn after the couple stepped down from their royal duties. Since then, they have been responsible for their own security, which includes round-the-clock protection at their home in Montecito, California, as well as for overseas visits.
The lack of official security has had a significant impact on the family. Their children, Archie and Lilibet, have not seen their grandfather, the King, since February 2022, when they were part of the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. This absence has been a source of frustration for Harry, who has repeatedly argued that the threat level he faces remains severe.
Legal Challenges and Public Backlash
In 2021, Harry lost a legal bid to have his security reconsidered. He blamed the Royal Household for what he described as a “stitch up” against him. Despite this loss, his direct appeal to then Home Secretary Yvette Cooper led to a re-evaluation by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), the body responsible for authorising security for senior royals.
At one point, it seemed that reinstatement of his protection was likely, with the process expected to be rubber-stamped within weeks. However, recent reports suggest that senior civil servants on Ravec are divided. Members from the Home Office, Cabinet Office, and Foreign Office are reportedly against granting the protection, fearing a negative public reaction to the cost of providing it.
The financial implications of such a decision are significant. If granted, the cost of protecting the Sussexes could run into millions of pounds. A Home Office source told The Telegraph that some committee members are nervous about the political risks involved, while police and security chiefs believe the protection is essential due to the ongoing threats.
Security Costs and Public Criticism
Since leaving the UK in 2020, Harry and Meghan have been responsible for their own security. This includes extensive measures at their California estate and for international trips. Security experts have estimated that their annual security bill could easily exceed $3 million, with overseas visits adding even more to the costs.
On some overseas trips, including a visit to Colombia in 2024, the host country covered the security costs. However, the UK government has faced criticism for spending an estimated $2 million on security for the couple during that trip, especially when many residents were struggling with poverty.
Harry has argued that his threat level, last assessed in April 2019, remains high due to his royal status and military background. During his High Court case, his lawyers claimed that his current security arrangements put his life “at stake.”
Currently, Harry’s UK security is assessed on a case-by-case basis, requiring him to notify the Metropolitan Police 30 days before arriving in the country. He has also cited recent incidents, such as a female stalker who managed to get close to him on two occasions, as evidence of the ongoing threats he faces.
Ongoing Concerns and Government Response
Despite these concerns, the UK government maintains that its protective security system is rigorous and proportionate. A spokesperson stated: “The UK government’s protective security system is rigorous and proportionate. It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals’ security.”
