Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been back in the UK for less than a month, but speculation is already mounting that their stay might be brief. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex touched down at Birmingham Airport just days after revealing their shocking Megxit reversal. They registered their children, Archie and Lilibet, at British schools, though have already withdrawn them owing to security worries.
Security assessment could decide their future
Harry and Meghan's state-funded protection, which they presently don't have, appears to be central to suggestions they might be departing for Montecito earlier than anticipated. Sources close to the pair informed the Daily Mail's Alison Boshoff that the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) assessment of their security arrangements could influence whether the family remains in the UK. Ravec supervises state-funded protection for royalty and public figures.
Harry and Meghan forfeited their state-funded security upon stepping back as working royals in 2020, reports the Express.
Possible return to royal duties
With the verdict anticipated imminently, it could allegedly culminate in the family returning to the USA as early as the October half-term break. However, should the ruling favour the couple, royal experts have suggested it might trigger an unexpected development, particularly for Harry.
Speaking on Palace Confidential, two of the Daily Mail's prominent journalists, Richard Eden and Sarah Vine, suggested Harry could even return to some official royal duties should he be successful in his quest for state-funded security. The late Queen firmly rejected their request for a half-in, half-out model when it came to royal duties at the famous Sandringham Summit back in 2020.
Richard and Sarah suggested it could be a good opportunity to bring Harry back into the royal fold, without Meghan. Sarah said: "Do you think there's a case for saying, if he does get police protection, which he probably will do, then maybe he should resume some royal duties."
Richard agreed: "I think that is part of the plot I've been talking about, and it will be quid pro quo. Look at what's been happening this week. Harry's been in New York, talking about an issue there. I know people in government are saying, 'we're not using resources best, we've got this Royal Family, they're costing a fortune in security, let's get some value for money from them.'"
Experts divided on the prospect
Sarah believes it's an "inevitability" that Harry will assume some royal responsibilities if they secure police protection. This comes despite the current fractured state of his relationships with King Charles and Prince William. She added: "Not Meghan, maybe just Harry. He's good at that stuff, he's very good at that stuff. He can do it on his own, she doesn't need to get upset about it. It makes sort of sense really."
Neither Buckingham Palace nor the Sussexes have hinted at such a possibility. Esteemed royal author Robert Hardman also dismissed the notion. He stated: "I don't think security can be transactional. The people focused on security are not interested in plaque unveilings and ribbon cuttings and hospital openings. They're just interested in the threat and I think that is how it will be decided."
