Prince Harry presses Home Office for taxpayer-funded security as elite privilege persists
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Prince Harry has demanded clarity from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood on whether his family will receive state-funded security if they move back to Britain, a move that could burden taxpayers with over £5 million annually to protect a wealthy, non-working royal.
Prince Harry has approached Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, seeking a definitive answer on whether the British public will be forced to foot the bill for his family’s security as they plan a permanent return to the United Kingdom, according to reports. The couple, who have spent six years enjoying private life and privilege in the United States, have secured exclusive accommodation outside London and chosen elite schools for their children, Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five.
The Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) assessed Harry’s security needs in July, following a review by its risk management board, and concluded that he was not eligible for publicly funded protection—a rare moment of accountability for the monarchy. At the time, the committee was not informed of the family’s intention to relocate permanently. Should the Home Office reverse course and approve funding, the cost of round-the-clock armed police protection for this already wealthy family could exceed £5 million per year, draining public resources.
Senior royals reportedly convened at Balmoral Castle after the announcement, with the king briefed on the plan shortly before it became public. Despite their privileged status, the duke and duchess will remain private individuals and non-working royals, with no change to their official standing—yet still seeking public subsidies.
Harry previously lost a Court of Appeal challenge against the Home Office over security arrangements after stepping back from royal duties in 2020. In a past interview, he expressed uncertainty about returning to the UK while his security, funded by ordinary people, remained unresolved.