Prince Harry could have his security situation in the UK improved after it was reported that his security status is being reviewed again. The Home Office are currently looking at evidence gathered from the police, the Government and Harry’s team regarding his security rights when he is in the UK to see whether he should receive taxpayer-funded police protection on the occasions he returns to his home country.
This comes just months after the Duke of Sussex – who quit royal life in 2020 – previously lost a court case to get his taxpayer-funded police protection reinstated in Britain, a decision he called an “establishment stitch-up”. If it is decided that Harry is entitled to police protection in the UK, this is likely to change many things for the prince, and could even see him bring his children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, to the UK. A decision is expected next month.
While Harry’s security issue sparks mixed opinions across the country, one royal expert has argued that the King’s youngest son deserves this protection, especially since ex-politicians are entitled to it.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond wrote in The i Paper: “Security is offered to a former prime minister who served barely any longer than a lettuce takes to wilt, then surely the son of the King deserves the same? Prince Harry is asking for the Metropolitan Police to protect him and (if he were to bring them) his family on occasional visits to the UK. It does not seem an unreasonable request. He cannot change the fact that he is the King’s son.”
She continued: “We now know that the issue of security lies at the very heart of Harry’s estrangement from his UK family. In an emotional interview after losing his latest court battle in May, he said that the dispute had always been the sticking point in any reconciliation with his father. And that’s undoubtedly true. Harry was trying to sue his father’s government, which put Charles in an unenviable position. Easier to maintain radio silence.”
Jennie also said that if Harry does receive this police protection in the UK, he is likely to bring his children to his home country, which will allow the King to get to know his grandchildren.
She wrote: “If he (Harry) gets his wish and his security is restored when he is in the UK, it could pave the way to a family reunion. There’s no doubt that our elderly King would love to see his grandchildren. And, for all the bitterness of recent years, he still loves his youngest son, his ‘darling boy’.
“For his part, I think the Prince is sincere when he talks about wanting his children to know and understand their heritage. And he has said publicly that he wants his father and his brother back in his life. That may still be some way off – particularly where William is concerned – but if he can at least feel he can bring his family here safely, there has to be some hope of reconciliation.”