Harry And Meghan’s UK Return Throws Security Row Back Into The Spotlight — With Fresh Questions Over What Happens Next
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s reported decision to return to the UK has reignited one of the most contentious issues surrounding the Sussexes: their security arrangements and who will ultimately pay for them.
The couple dramatically stepped back from royal duties and moved to California six years ago. But sources have now said the family is preparing to return to Britain, with their children, Archie and Lilibet, expected to attend school in the UK from September.
The move is particularly striking given Harry’s repeated warnings about security in Britain. The Duke of Sussex has previously argued that the UK is not safe for his children and spent years fighting for the level of taxpayer-funded protection he received as a working royal.
Harry ultimately lost his lengthy legal battle to have his security arrangements reinstated. Following the ruling, he claimed that “my life is at stake” and previously alleged that the decision to remove his protection was part of an attempt to force him and Meghan back to Britain.
Now, their return has raised a difficult question: what level of protection will the family actually receive?
Sources have claimed that providing security for the Sussexes could cost taxpayers as much as £5 million a year, although there has been no confirmation that the British taxpayer will be responsible for the bill.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Harry and Meghan are expected to return as private individuals rather than working royals.
Non-working members of the Royal Family generally receive a more limited level of protection than those carrying out official duties. If Harry and Meghan were to arrange private security themselves, their guards would also face strict restrictions on carrying weapons under UK law.
Meanwhile, a new assessment of the risks facing Harry and his family is expected, following a Government review. But the process has reportedly faced delays, with the system already under pressure and several former Prime Ministers understood to be waiting for protection assessments.
It remains unclear whether the Sussexes have received any specific security assurances ahead of their return or whether arrangements have changed since Harry’s court battle.
The couple recently spent an extended period in Britain with Archie and Lilibet, including a meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove. They did so without taxpayer-funded armed police.
Sources now say the entire family is expected to return to Britain at the end of August and remain there while their children attend school.
The location of Archie and Lilibet’s new school has not been revealed.
Meghan’s next chapter
Meghan is also expected to continue running her lifestyle brand, As Ever, after the move.
The former Suits actress has previously returned to the entertainment spotlight through her Netflix projects, although her cookery series With Love, Meghan was later cancelled.
There have also been reports that she has been offered opportunities to return to acting, but neither the Sussexes nor representatives have confirmed details of any future role.
The couple have reportedly been looking for a permanent UK base, with Meghan understood to have visited the Cotswolds during a previous trip.
A dramatic reversal
The planned return marks a remarkable change for a couple who have spent recent years openly criticising aspects of Britain, the Royal Family and the British media.
Harry has previously spoken about feeling anxious when returning to London and described the city as a trigger because of what happened to his mother, Princess Diana.
His memoir Spare also contained a series of explosive claims about his family, including details of his relationship with Prince William, his conversations with King Charles and his opposition to Charles marrying Camilla.
The Sussexes’ 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey and their later Netflix documentary further intensified tensions with the Royal Family.
Yet six years after leaving Britain for California, Harry, Meghan and their children are now preparing to spend a far greater amount of time back in the country.
And with their return comes one unresolved question that has followed Harry for years:
If Britain was once considered too dangerous for his family without extensive protection, what will change now that they are coming back?