The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been back in the UK for less than a month, but rumours suggest their stay may be short-lived. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived at Birmingham Airport just days after announcing their Megxit U-turn, enrolling their children, Archie and Lilibet, in British schools. However, they have already pulled them out due to security concerns.
Security review at the heart of decision
Harry and Meghan's lack of state-funded security appears to be central to suggestions they could return to Montecito sooner than expected. Those close to the couple told the Daily Mail's Alison Boshoff that the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) review of their security could influence whether the family stays in the UK. Ravec oversees state-funded security for royalty and public figures, which Harry and Meghan lost when they stepped down as working royals in 2020.
With the decision expected soon, it could reportedly end with the family returning to the USA as soon as the October half-term holiday. However, if the decision is favourable for the couple, royal commentators suggested it could result in a surprising shift for Harry.
Potential return to royal duties
Speaking on Palace Confidential, Daily Mail 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 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.'"
Mixed reactions to the idea
Sarah thinks it is an "inevitability" that Harry will take on some royal duties if they receive police protection, despite the current 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."
There is no suggestion from either Buckingham Palace or the Sussexes that this could happen. Respected royal author Robert Hardman also poured scorn on the idea, saying: "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."
