The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to move back to the UK within weeks, reigniting the debate over whether Prince Harry should receive taxpayer-funded police protection. The couple, who lost their automatic security when they stepped down as working royals in 2020, are expected to arrive in Britain by the end of August with their children Archie and Lilibet.
Sussexes' Return and Security Status
Harry and Meghan relocated to California in 2020 after quitting their royal roles. Now, after six years in the US, the family is returning for an extended period. Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, are already enrolled in schools in England for the September term.
Unlike their previous time in the UK as working royals, the Sussexes no longer have automatic police protection. Harry's security level changed drastically in 2020, and he is now required to give a month's notice of any trips to the UK, with his risk evaluated before security is granted. On each return, he has been declined full protection and has funded his own security.
Legal Battle and Delayed Review
In May 2025, Harry lost his appeal over the dismissal of his High Court claim against the Home Office regarding the decision of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) that he should receive a different degree of protection. He continues to lobby the Home Secretary for an urgent review into his security, after sending a report from his private security company claiming he is a terror target.
The review, initially expected before his July trip to the UK, has been delayed. A source close to the Sussexes said at the time: “Harry is devastated and in absolute turmoil over this decision. He is incredibly frustrated at the lack of action from the Home Office and its delay in making a decision. He has blamed dark forces for stopping his family coming to the UK and arranging to see the King. Everything is very much up in the air.”
Backlog and Public Opinion
Harry was told he would be granted a risk management board at the end of 2025 to reassess his security needs, but the review has yet to take place. The backlog is partly due to a struggle to cover high-level security for politicians, including nine ex-Prime Ministers, leading to a temporary pause of about four months.
Dai Davies, a former Royal Protection Officer, said there is a valid reason behind the Sussexes needing security due to their celebrity status, though they have consistently put themselves in the spotlight. He advised: “I'm sad to say that if they continue with their high profile media, then keeping them safe from either terrorism or fixated individuals, raises the pressure quite considerably. The only advice I can give is, keep a much lower profile than you have so far.”
Davies also noted the cost of securing a new home: “If they go somewhere new, that place would have to be reconnoitred, it would have to have technical support, a whole manner of things, including potentially a safe room. It's hugely expensive, and would take time.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham called the funding for their desired security a “private matter.” Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond previously said Harry “deserves” taxpayer-funded protection, telling the i Paper in December: “Security is offered to a former prime minister who served barely any longer than a lettuce takes to wilt, then surely the son of the King deserves the same? Prince Harry is asking for the Metropolitan Police to protect him and (if he were to bring them) his family on occasional visits to the UK. It does not seem an unreasonable request. He cannot change the fact that he is the King’s son.”
