The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will have a review of their publicly funded security following their return to the UK. Ravec (Royal and VIP Executive Committee), which oversees tax-funded security for royalty and public figures, is to reconsider Harry and Meghan’s level of police protection.
Committee meets to discuss couple’s case
The committee met last week to discuss the couple’s case, now they and their children are full-time residents in the UK and not just visitors. It will be the first risk assessment for Meghan since the couple stepped back as working members of the royal family in 2020.
Harry was granted a review of his security in July but has yet to receive a decision. The Telegraph has reported that the Ravec chair informed Harry last week the committee had commissioned a new risk assessment and a separate one for Meghan, in light of their return to the UK.
Committee requests schedules and daily routine
The committee has reportedly asked the couple to provide their schedules and daily routine, including the school run, to inform their decision. Last year, Harry lost a legal challenge against the Home Office after the automatic tax-funded security for him and his family was withdrawn when the couple stood down as working royals.
“The UK is my home,” said Harry in his witness statement. “The UK is central to the heritage of my children and a place I want them to feel at home as much as where they live at the moment in the US. That cannot happen if it’s not possible to keep them safe when they are on UK soil. I cannot put my wife in danger like that and, given my experiences in life, I am reluctant to unnecessarily put myself in harm’s way too.”
Return to the UK and formal letter from King Charles
The couple returned to the UK on 26 August. Soon after, a formal letter was issued on behalf of King Charles, reiterating their status as non-working royals. The letter stated the couple were “akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests” and “any operational security issues should continue to be directed to the relevant police authorities”.
The Sussexes also decided on Monday to switch their children to a new school just two days after they started, reportedly due to security concerns over the long journey and heavy traffic. “The decision for the children to move school was taken following a discussion with the family’s security team about the practicalities of their current arrangements,” a family spokesperson told Hello! magazine. “The parents remain extremely grateful to all the teachers and staff for the love, care and effort they have shown their family. This decision should in no way be interpreted as a reflection on the school or the exceptional care the children have received there.”
