Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could consider returning to California if a pending Home Office security review denies them publicly funded UK police protection, royal experts have suggested.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved back to the UK in late August with their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five. Their time in Britain has been marked by a row with the King over how they should be addressed, and the need to change their children's school over security concerns, according to the Express.
Security review under way
The Home Office continues to carry out a review into whether the pair should be granted taxpayer-funded security. This is something Harry has battled to secure on numerous occasions since stepping down from royal duties in 2020 and losing his armed police protection.
Last week, the Daily Mail reported that friends say the Sussexes could leave the UK if a Home Office review refuses them automatic police protection.
Experts weigh in
Speaking on the latest Palace Confidential podcast, Richard Eden said: "The implications of this are massive because if they get it, what that then means is Harry and Meghan can come and go, and they'll still be getting police protection, and also they can say that they want it in America."
"So those hard-pressed taxpayers in the US might find that they're having to pay for security too. So it could ease any money worries that they have. Harry and Meghan would be absolutely thrilled. They'd have these huge costs paid for by someone else."
Private security arrangements
Following their departure from royal life and relocation to the US, the couple employ their own privately funded security team for public outings. Harry and Meghan have kept quiet about their current home due to security worries, but it is thought to be in the Cotswolds.
