The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, is poised to learn this month whether his automatic police protection in the United Kingdom will be reinstated, following a protracted and contentious legal battle. The impending decision comes amid fresh reports of a strained relationship with the Palace.
High-Stakes Security Review Underway
In a significant reversal, the Home Office has ordered a full, updated threat assessment for the Duke, the first of its kind since 2020. This review is being conducted by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, known as Ravec.
The outcome, anticipated before the end of January, will determine if Harry's taxpayer-funded security detail is restored whenever he visits Britain. Sources close to the Duke have expressed confidence that the review could result in the reinstatement of his protection.
Such a move would be pivotal, potentially enabling Harry to bring his wife, Meghan, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to the UK for visits with greater ease and perceived safety.
Palace Role in Protection Row Denied
Insiders had previously suggested that securing automatic protection was virtually assured for Harry, and that any contrary decision would imply direct intervention from the Palace. However, this claim has been robustly challenged.
A former senior royal aide has labelled such suggestions as "both unjust and inaccurate". Speaking to The Times, the aide clarified the Palace's limited role, stating: "The palace has no such powers within Ravec. While they sit on the committee it is not their role to advise on threat analysis or appropriate mitigations."
The aide emphasised that such decisions rest solely with intelligence and security professionals. This view was echoed by government sources, who confirmed that the risk assessment for the Duke is still ongoing and no final recommendation has been made to Ravec.
UK Visit for Court Case, But No Planned Meeting with King
The security decision coincides with Harry's scheduled return to London later this month. He is set to attend the High Court for the start of his legal action against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), the publisher of the Daily Mail.
Despite being in the country, it is understood that Harry is not expected to meet with his father, King Charles III. The monarch is anticipated to be at his traditional post-Christmas residence in Scotland when the trial begins on January 19.
Royal sources have indicated the King wishes to avoid any association with the court proceedings, and will therefore keep his distance. This follows a brief reunion in September 2025, when the pair met for afternoon tea at Clarence House after a 19-month gap—a meeting Harry at the time described positively.
The Duke previously claimed in a BBC interview that his legal fight over security had created a barrier to communication with his father, expressing a desire for reconciliation while noting he did not know "how much longer my father has". A spokesperson for Prince Harry has declined to comment on the ongoing security arrangements.
