Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly considering returning to the United States if a Home Office review fails to grant them the publicly funded security protection they want, according to reports cited by royal commentators.
The claims come just weeks after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex reportedly returned to the UK in August with their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five. The ongoing security review has once again brought the couple’s arrangements following their departure from royal duties in 2020 into the spotlight.
Harry and Meghan could be planning a return to the US. (Image: Getty)
Royal commentators weigh in on the Sussexes’ reported plans
Richard Eden, a royal commentator for the Daily Mail, discussed the possibility of Harry and Meghan leaving Britain during the Palace Confidential podcast.
According to the newspaper’s report, people close to the Sussexes believe the couple could leave the UK if a Home Office review does not grant them automatic police protection.
Eden described the reported position as being “akin to blackmail”, questioning the wider implications of providing publicly funded security for the couple.
He argued that granting the request could have consequences beyond the UK, potentially raising questions about whether police protection might also be sought during visits to the United States.
“The implications of this are massive,” Eden said, suggesting that the arrangement could mean taxpayers would face substantial security costs while Harry and Meghan travelled between countries.
His remarks reflect his own interpretation of the reported situation, rather than an official position from the government or the Sussexes.
The couple recently moved back from the US. (Image: Getty)
Angela Levin voices criticism of the security request
Royal commentator Angela Levin also criticised the possibility of the couple receiving publicly funded protection.
Speaking to TalkTV, Levin characterised the reported stance as “blackmail” and questioned why British taxpayers should meet the couple’s security expenses.
She also expressed support for the possibility of Harry and Meghan returning to the United States, making clear her opposition to the reported request.
Neither commentator’s remarks establish that the couple have made a final decision about relocating. The suggestion that they could leave Britain remains a reported possibility linked to the outcome of the security review.
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Why Harry’s security arrangements remain contentious
Harry’s security arrangements have been a long-running source of dispute since he and Meghan stepped back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020 and subsequently moved to the United States.
Following their departure, the couple lost their automatic armed police protection in the UK. They have since relied on privately funded security when travelling and attending public engagements.
Harry has repeatedly challenged the arrangements, arguing that the security provisions available to him and his family do not adequately address their circumstances.
The Home Office review is therefore significant because its outcome could affect the protection available to the Sussexes during future visits to Britain.
However, the review concerns the couple’s security arrangements; it does not, by itself, determine where they will live.
The family’s location remains private
Harry and Meghan have kept details of their living arrangements private, citing security concerns involving themselves and their children.
The couple’s approach to protecting Archie and Lilibet has also reportedly influenced decisions about their movements in the UK. According to previous reports, concerns about the safety of the school-run route contributed to the children being withdrawn from their first British school.
These concerns form part of the wider debate surrounding the family’s security, although the specific circumstances and any future arrangements remain subject to change.
For now, reports of a potential return to the United States should be treated as speculation about what the couple might do if the review does not produce the outcome they want.
Neither a permanent relocation nor a final decision to leave the UK has been established by the information reported. The Home Office review remains the key issue to watch as questions continue over how Harry and Meghan will approach future visits to Britain.