Harry and Meghan’s UK Return Comes With Security Questions — Government Calls It a ‘Private Matter’

The new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, was questioned about the Sussexes security concerns however he made a curt reply and skirted the inquiry.

Prince Harry has been involved in an ongoing legal dispute with RAVEC over the loss of government-funded police security after he stepped back from royal duties in 2020. RAVEC has been responsible for evaluating his security on a case-by-case basis due to his current non-working royal status. Harry had challenged the decision, arguing that it left him and his family less protected while in Britain, but the Court of Appeal rejected his challenge in May 2025, ruling that RAVEC had acted lawfully. The issue has now returned to the spotlight following Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to bring Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to the UK for an extended stay. However, there has been no confirmed decision to restore automatic taxpayer-funded armed police protection for the Sussexes, with their security arrangements reportedly still subject to assessment.

As news broke that the Sussexes are making the UK their base once again, one of the immediate concerns that arises is their security, since neither of them is returning under 'working royal' status. Keeping this in mind, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has refrained from confirming any security arrangements for the Sussex family as their homecoming looms. The Home Office maintains that the protective security system in place is "rigorous and proportionate" amidst ongoing disputes regarding its protection.

A spokesperson emphasized the government's policy of not disclosing specific details about security provisions to preserve their effectiveness and individual safety. Additionally, it has been highlighted that the Home Secretary will not participate in individual decisions regarding the protective security setup for key public figures. Such decisions rest solely with the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), which includes experts from the Home Office, Metropolitan Police, and Royal Household, and is advised by an independent chair, GBN News reported. 

Harry's attempt to reinstate UK police protection for his family was denied, a decision he criticized as unsafe. He strongly pointed out that his children won't be able to feel at home in Britain without adequate protection and argued that he had already awaited a security assessment for over seven months. Nonetheless, the family visited the UK safely in July and also held an audience with the King at Highgrove.

Harry plans to lobby the Home Secretary for future security and desires more chances to meet King Charles, who supports their visits but insists they remain non-working royals per the late Queen's wishes. Meanwhile, as their homecoming remains imminent, the new Labor Party Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, was questioned about their security concerns. Burnham had a curt reply and skirted the inquiry by wishing the Sussexes a warm welcome instead. 

"This is a private matter; it’s a matter for Harry and Meghan, and we wish them well in the move that they’re making," he stated, GBN News reported. Burnham's subtle reply might have hinted that the Government would not fund the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's security, confirming they would not receive public money.