Home Office ‘blocked’ bid to fund Harry security
Prince Harry’s long-running dispute over publicly funded protection in the UK has resurfaced after a report claimed officials are resisting proposals to restore security for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when they visit Britain. The claim centres on concerns about political fallout if taxpayer-funded arrangements were reinstated, even as a committee responsible for royal protection considers the issue.
The Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) is weighing whether to reinstate security for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during UK trips, while civil servants across several departments are understood to oppose the move amid fears of a public backlash, LBC reported.
LBC said Ravec includes Sir Clive Alderton, King Charles’s private secretary, and that police and security figures believe protection is necessary because of what was described as an ongoing threat. The report also said Prince Harry has written to Home Secretary Ms Shabana Mahmood to plead his case.
The renewed focus comes as the Duke’s relationship with the Royal Family remains the subject of debate, including BritpopNews coverage that Prince William was reportedly unhappy about renewed pressure for Harry to return, while questions continue over what a future UK presence might look like for the Sussexes.
Prince Harry previously challenged arrangements over state-funded security and has said the dispute affects his ability to bring Meghan and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to the UK. A Home Office spokesperson quoted in recent reporting has said the UK’s protective security system is “rigorous and proportionate”, adding that detailed information is not routinely provided for security reasons.
