Good Morning Britain's Lorna Shaddick has reported on the significant security issues surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's return to the UK, highlighting a potential bombshell bill for protecting the couple.
Security Costs and Concerns
Speaking from outside Buckingham Palace, Shaddick explained that keeping the Sussexes safe could cost around £5 million a year. "After yesterday's bombshell announcement, comes news potentially of a bombshell bill to pay because keeping the Sussexes safe could cost around £5 million a year," she said.
"Of course, they are a very high-profile couple. They've got links to the King and Queen, and then Harry's previous military service in Afghanistan to consider as well. That could potentially make him a target," she added.
Review of Security Arrangements
When the couple left the UK, it was decided that they would fund their own security in America privately. Upon returning to the UK for visits, their state-funded security was decided on a case-by-case basis by a Home Office committee. Shaddick noted that this arrangement is likely now to need reviewing given the change in their circumstances.
However, Prime Minister Andy Burnham appeared to wash his hands of the issue, saying that their protection was a private matter. Shaddick also stated that the decision had not been discussed with the wider royal family, as they only found out about it a few days ago.
Expert Opinion on Public Funding
The show then cut to a clip of former Head of Royal Protection Dai Davies, who speculated on why the public may end up having to pay for the pair. "The only way I can see it now happening is the security intelligence and the threat assessment, both from terrorism and from fixated individuals, would warrant you and me paying what will be an incredibly expensive scenario for protecting him, his wife, his children, his schooling, and all his adventures when he's going out making money for himself," he said.
Plans for UK Return
The couple will return to the UK later this month and are said to be making their home in a non-royal residence outside of London. They have already enrolled their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in British schools.
The King, who is still living with cancer, was first made aware of the move on Sunday, only three days before it was made public, but is understood to welcome the opportunity to see more of the family both in a private and personal capacity. Their status will remain the same, with the couple not offered a "half-in-half-out" option regarding their roles.
