GB News paused for a breaking update on Friday (28 August), just 48 hours after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returned to the UK. Bringing the programme to a halt, Cameron Walker revealed that the duke's lawyers had contacted Labour minister Shabana Mahmood amid his requests for taxpayer-funded security.
Lawyers urge Home Secretary to intervene
"GB News understands that [Harry's] lawyers have written to the Home Secretary, urging her to personally intervene, but it's not as simple as that," the presenter began.
"The Home Secretary, although she's politically responsible for security arrangements of individuals in the United Kingdom, is not responsible for the decision itself.
"So, that is done by an independent Ravec committee - the Royal and VIP Executive Committee - made up of Home Office officials, as well as government officials, MI5, MI6, police, and indeed, the royal household. They are the ones who make the ultimate decision."
Risk assessment process
Noting that a risk management board was carried out last month to assess the level of risk to Harry and Meghan, the journalist added, "What the lawyers, I believe, are hoping the Home Secretary will do, is essentially speed up this process. From their perspective, with various civil servants being on holiday because it's August, it's not a good enough excuse [to delay]."
Following the announcement, viewers took to X to share their thoughts on the matter. "Absolutely sick and tired of Harry nagging like a 5-year-old. No should mean no. He probably hasn't heard that word very often, and he just can't accept it. The taxpayer isn't his personal bank. He has money, he's not a working royal, the UK is safer, let him pay for his own security," tweeted one.
"Perhaps then, he should have stayed in the USA, where his risk level wasn't as high, or his security was able to carry guns. He has chosen to return after they very happily walked away from this country," quipped another.
Meanwhile, a third remarked, "Harry is such an entitled brat. The Home Secretary cannot make the decision. He and his lawyers are already throwing their weight around after being here for one day! He just turns the country against him more & more."
Sussexes' UK return
A development that has caused widespread debate, the Sussexes, who returned to the UK on Wednesday, have reportedly been staying at a private, non-royal residence. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are enrolled in British schools. What remains to be seen, however, is whether or not the family will receive taxpayer-funded protection.
The Mirror reported on Thursday that the Home Office is "actively assessing" Harry's case, though a definitive outcome has yet to be determined. A government source told the publication: "Officials have been asked to make a new assessment now that the family in question have chosen to reside in the UK. Any recommendations will be made in due course."
