Prince Harry’s attempt to reinstate his publicly funded security while staying in the UK may face challenges due to concerns about potential public backlash. The Duke of Sussex lost his automatic police protection in the UK when he and his wife, Meghan, departed the country after stepping down as working royals.
Following an unsuccessful legal battle, Prince Harry wrote to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and formally requested a risk assessment from the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec).
Although an assessment is currently underway, there are indications that Prince Harry was close to regaining his armed police protection for his UK visits earlier this year and was optimistic about the evaluation’s outcome.
However, recent reports suggest a division within Ravec, with key civil servants from the Home Office, Cabinet Office, and Foreign Office opposing the reinstatement of police protection due to concerns over taxpayer reaction.
According to The Telegraph, no final decision has been made, but a source revealed that some committee members are apprehensive about potential public disapproval. While the political side perceives significant risk, police and security experts argue that Prince Harry’s security is crucial due to existing threats.
During a previous court case, Prince Harry argued that the security situation in the UK posed a safety risk, making it challenging for him to bring Meghan and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, back to the UK.
In an interview following a court ruling last May, Prince Harry criticized the decision, describing it as an unfair establishment maneuver. He expressed his sadness about not being able to bring his family back to the UK and highlighted the security concerns faced by him and his children.
Presently, Prince Harry must notify the Metropolitan Police a month in advance of any UK trips, with security assessments conducted on a case-by-case basis. His legal team has argued that this process jeopardizes his safety.
In October, it was revealed that a known stalker of Prince Harry had come dangerously close to him during a visit to the UK in September, raising concerns about the need for police protection. The stalker was reportedly found hiding in a London hotel shortly before Harry’s scheduled appearance.
Considering the security risks and threats faced by Prince Harry and his family, the need for police protection remains a contentious issue. The Home Office emphasized that the UK government’s security measures are robust and proportionate, maintaining a policy of not disclosing detailed security arrangements to protect individual safety and system integrity.
