One Key Decision Could Bring Prince Harry Closer to Home — After Years of Being Away
The Sussexes lost access to state-funded security, after which they refused to visit the UK. But things might change soon.
The royal family had a tough time navigating Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s resignation from royal duties. Their dramatic withdrawal thrust the monarchy under intense scrutiny, and for an institution built on discretion and control, the sudden exposure of their private family matters to the public for all to judge was a significant setback. With the Sussexes stepping down in 2020, they also lost access to the state-funded security, after which they refused to visit the Prince's home country. But now, things might take a different turn.
Ever since losing security access, Harry has been trying his best to reinforce it, and it seems like luck is finally supporting his stance. According to a source close to the Sussexes, reinstatement of the security is a done deal, and Harry has been assured of the same. Recently, a fresh evaluation was conducted concerning Harry and his family's security by the royal and VIP executive committee (Ravec), and they have assured to swing the outcome the prince's way.
Ravec consists of a special board with security officials from the Metropolitan Police, the Home Office, and the Royal Household, who ought to work together to come to a decision on who should be protected. Reportedly, the board has already decided to have the results in Harry's favor. "It's now a formality. Sources at the Home Office have indicated that security is now nailed on for Harry," shared a source to Express UK. The re-assessing board was formed after Harry wrote a plea letter to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, to reconsider the security decision that was previously against him.
The outlet had contacted the Home Office for further details, but they have yet to respond, and neither has the British Government. If the decision works in Harry's favour, his kids will finally get to meet the rest of the royal family, including their cousins. With the current security access under review, BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond wrote for the i Paper, “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’.”
She shed light on the fact that once the security is restored, it could pave the way for Harry to reunite with his family. "...If he can at least feel he can bring his family here safely, there has to be some hope of reconciliation," she said. Bond stressed that Harry, at the end of the day, is still the King's son and deserves the security. “If security is offered to a former prime minister [Liz Truss] who served barely any longer than a lettuce takes to wilt, then surely the son of the king deserves the same," she said.
Talking about the downsides of the withdrawal security measures, Harry had told the BBC, "I can't see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the UK at this point." He also accepted his eagerness to reconcile with his family, especially given the state of his father's health. “I would love reconciliation with my family," adding that he does "not know how much longer my father has," and that he (the King) "won’t speak to me because of this security stuff."
