Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could make a decision on their UK future within weeks, with a potential permanent return to Montecito, California, if the security ruling goes against them, sources close to the couple have suggested.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been back on UK soil for less than a month, after revealing plans to return from California over six years after stepping down as working royals. The pair arrived at Birmingham Airport with their children Archie and Lilibet.
Security decision looms
Harry's dispute over state-funded security could disrupt their plans. Sources told the Daily Mail that the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) decision on his security will influence whether the family remains in the UK.
Ravec oversees state-funded security for royalty and public figures. Harry and Meghan forfeited their right to state-funded security when they resigned as working royals in 2020, but Harry insists they require it for safety in the UK.
Re-evaluation and potential relocation
Ravec is due to re-evaluate the couple's level of police protection now that they and their two children are full-time UK residents rather than visitors. It will examine the risks they face in their new home and daily routines, such as the school run.
Sources close to the couple told the Daily Mail that Harry and Meghan may permanently relocate to Montecito if the verdict is not in their favour, potentially as early as the October half-term break at the end of next month. The couple have yet to comment publicly on rumours of their return to the USA.
School change and royal commentator's view
This follows the couple's decision to switch their children's school days after enrolment due to security worries triggered by school run traffic. The names of the schools remain undisclosed, but the family's private security detail has expressed concerns about distance and heavy traffic on the initial route.
Royal commentator Dickie Arbiter, who served as the late Queen's press spokesman from 1988 to 2000, speculated that Harry and Meghan might be planning to depart the UK shortly after arrival. He said: "I'm not sure they are here long-term. I firmly believe that they will go back to Montecito for Christmas because that's where her mother is. Everybody talks about reconciliation with the King but what about reconciliation with Thomas Markle."
