Prince Harry and Meghan are set to undergo a fresh security assessment as they prepare to relocate with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, from the United States to the United Kingdom later this month.
The Sussexes are expected to move into a private, non-royal residence outside London, with their children reportedly due to begin school in the UK next month.
According to the BBC, the UK Home Office said security decisions concerning members of the Royal Family are made by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), an independent body overseen by the department.
The Home Office also clarified that the British Prime Minister does not determine security arrangements for members of the Royal Family.
“The prime minister does not decide about security for the Royal Family,” the department said.
Harry’s security arrangements have been a longstanding source of tension since he and Meghan stepped down as working royals and moved to California in 2020.
The Duke of Sussex lost a legal challenge last year against a decision to reduce his security protection when visiting the UK.
However, with the couple now planning to establish a more permanent base in Britain, Ravec is expected to reassess the arrangements because their previous security provisions were based on them not living permanently in the country.
The Home Office described the UK’s protective security system as “rigorous and proportionate”, but said it would not disclose detailed information about individual security arrangements.
The department said releasing such information could compromise the system and affect the safety of those involved.
Security concerns remain
There is no indication that Harry and Meghan intend to return as full-time working royals.
However, their high public profile, close links to the Royal Family and Harry’s previous military service in Afghanistan could be among the factors considered during the security review.
It remains unclear whether Harry will receive the taxpayer-funded protection he has sought since stepping down from royal duties.
If the level of protection offered by the UK does not meet his expectations, he could reportedly pay for additional private security.
Harry and Meghan currently employ a private security team in the United States, although the couple have not confirmed whether the team will relocate with them to Britain.
Harry previously told the BBC that he “can’t see a world” in which he would bring his family to the UK following the reduction in his security arrangements.
His planned return with Meghan and their children therefore represents a significant change from his previous position.
Move follows meeting with King Charles
The planned relocation comes shortly after a family reunion between Harry and his father, King Charles III, in July.
Harry, Meghan and their children visited the King at his Highgrove residence in Gloucestershire. It was reportedly the first time Charles had seen Archie and Lilibet in person in more than four years and the first visit to the UK by Harry and Meghan together since 2022.
Harry has previously spoken about his desire for reconciliation with the Royal Family and his wish to spend more time with his father.
The move could also bring him closer to several commitments in Britain.
The Invictus Games are scheduled to take place in Birmingham next year, while events marking the 30th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana are also expected to take place.
The Sussexes are expected to retain their home in California, with Meghan continuing her media projects and online business from the UK.
For now, the precise level of protection Harry, Meghan and their children will receive remains unresolved.
With the Sussexes preparing to establish a more permanent base in Britain, Ravec will determine what security arrangements are appropriate for the family.