Prince Harry will have to wait longer for a decision on his police protection in the UK, as officials are reportedly prioritizing security for nine living former prime ministers.
The Duke of Sussex, 41, had requested a review of his right to police protection before travelling to Britain earlier this month. The request was denied hours before he was due to travel with his family at the start of July. He made the journey alone, with his wife and children joining later.
Security review delayed
The review was expected to be carried out in March by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), an independent body under the Home Office, but had not taken place by the end of June. According to The Times, officials have placed a temporary pause on Harry's review to cope with demand.
A source familiar with the process said: “Harry’s case is not all about Harry. It’s about a much wider situation within the police about the number of former premiers they are now protecting and fewer armed officers available.”
Background to the case
After stepping down as a working royal, Harry's right to police protection was removed. He is now required to give at least one month's notice before visiting the UK, but has been denied police protection on each visit so far. His legal challenge against the Home Office ended in defeat at the Court of Appeal last May.
