Andy Burnham would not be drawn on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's security arrangements on their return to the UK, saying the funding for it was a "private matter".
Harry and Meghan's planned move back to Britain came as a surprise to many on Wednesday night and the King found out about it just three days before it was made public.
Asked by reporters on a visit to West Yorkshire whether the Government would establish and fund the duke and duchess's security, the Prime Minister said: "Well, this is a private matter.
"It's a matter for Harry and for Meghan, and we wish them well in the moves that they're making."
Legal battle over security
The couple moved to the US more than six years ago but will move back to the UK later this month to live in a non-royal residence outside of London.
Harry has faced a protracted legal battle with the Home Office over the security arrangements for him and his family while in the UK, after his level of protection changed when he stepped down as a working royal in 2020.
At the end of June, he was still waiting for a review by the Risk Management Board, part of the process by which the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) rules on his security requirements – and he and his security detail were working to try to ensure his July visit could take place safely.
Individual decisions on protective security for key public figures – including members of the royal family – are made by Ravec, which includes the Home Office, Metropolitan Police and Royal Household, who advise an independent chairperson.
Reactions to the move
Speaking about the unexpected move to return to the UK, first reported by The Sun and Daily Telegraph, former royal correspondent Jennie Bond told Sky News: "I think we should beware a pile-on on Meghan in particular, and I can see that already happening.
"This is the decision they've made probably for the sake of their children, as much as for Harry.
"Perhaps Meghan is taking one for the team here, because I'm not sure this is her life's desire to live back in the UK."
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have already enrolled in British schools and are expected to start in early September.
The King welcomes the opportunity to see more of the family in a private and personal capacity, it is understood, but the status of the Sussexes will remain the same and the couple will not be offered a "half-in, half-out" option when it comes to their roles.
It also raises the question of how the news will be met by the Prince and Princess of Wales, with Kensington Palace yet to comment.
William – the future king – is estranged from his brother after Harry levelled a barrage of accusations against the prince, Kate, the King and Queen Camilla in the years since the Megxit crisis of 2020.
Former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt suggested the shock return would enrage William.
"In the long term, the return of the Sussexes to the UK opens up the prospect of two rival courts, William's and Harry's," he told the Press Association.
"The surprise return of Harry and Meghan is likely to have left William apoplectic."
Future plans
The Sussexes will keep their homes in Montecito, California; and Portugal, while the duchess will continue to run her lifestyle brand, As Ever, from their new base.
Ms Bond said keeping their other properties could suggest the Sussexes are "testing the water" with the move.
"The only word we're getting from the Palace is that Harry and Meghan are not going to be working royals at all, and certainly not whilst they carry on with their commercial activity, or particularly Meghan's, which I completely see she needs to do, and why shouldn't she?" the broadcaster said.
"She's an independent, relatively successful woman.
"They're not giving up their property in California. They've also got a property in Portugal, and that would suggest they are testing the water somewhat."
