Meghan Markle’s security is set to undergo an official review after she and Prince Harry returned to live in the UK with their two children, bringing the Duchess of Sussex into a security assessment for the first time since the couple stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
The Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, known as Ravec, has written to Harry to inform him that his security situation was discussed at a meeting last week.
Ravec has now agreed to conduct a full review of the Sussexes’ security circumstances, taking into account their return to Britain and the fact that their children have begun attending British schools.
Meghan’s First Official Security Review Since 2020
The review of Meghan’s security is particularly significant because it will be the first official assessment of her situation since Harry and Meghan left the monarchy.
The move comes as the couple settle into their new life in Britain with Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5.
The Sun previously reported that Meghan had concerns about doing the school run, with a source describing the issue as particularly difficult for the family.
“The school run is a tricky issue and I understand why they are nervous about it,” the source said.
The couple subsequently moved their children to another school only days after the new term began.
Sources close to Harry and Meghan said the school itself was not the problem. Instead, they reportedly became concerned about the practicalities of transporting Archie and Lilibet there, particularly because traffic made it difficult for their vehicles to travel together in convoy.
The children had only met their new classmates the previous week.
Harry’s Long-Running Fight Over Police Protection
Harry has spent years challenging the decision over his entitlement to taxpayer-funded police protection in the UK.
The Duke has argued that the threat facing him has not diminished since he stopped carrying out official royal duties.
In August, Harry contacted Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood seeking answers ahead of the family’s return to Britain.
At present, however, the couple’s official British police protection consists only of a phone number for a police liaison officer.
The latest Ravec review indicates that officials are prepared to reconsider the family’s circumstances now that they are living in the UK again.
Harry is reportedly “numbed” by the lengthy battle to secure protection for his family.
Sussexes’ Security Comes Under New Scrutiny
The family’s return has also brought renewed attention to the circumstances surrounding their day-to-day movements.
The couple reportedly had concerns about taking their children to school in a vehicle convoy, while a poll found that 63 per cent of the public believed Harry and Meghan should pay for their own security guards.
Harry’s last full risk assessment as a working member of the Royal Family took place in April 2019.
At that time, he was placed in the highest risk category, according to the report. The only two people assessed at a similar level were Queen Elizabeth II, who was monarch at the time, and then-Prime Minister Theresa May.
Since stepping down as working royals, Harry has repeatedly argued that his security needs remain serious.
The new Ravec review will now examine the couple’s circumstances again as they establish a permanent family life in Britain.
Meghan Offers a Glimpse of Their New Life
Amid the security debate, Meghan recently offered a glimpse of the family’s new life in the UK.
A video montage shared on social media showed an idyllic vision of the English countryside, including a roaring fire, muddy puddles, raincoats and wellington boots.
The images presented a markedly different picture of the Sussexes’ life from the lengthy dispute over their security arrangements.
With Archie and Lilibet now attending school in Britain, however, questions over the family’s protection have become an increasingly important part of their return.
The Ravec review is expected to consider the couple’s current circumstances and threat level as officials reassess what security arrangements may be appropriate for the family.