Prince Harry’s Security Troubles Continue as Government Launches New Review for Public Figures
The Sussexes have been asked by RAVEC to provide detailed information about their new daily routines in Britain to assess their threat level.
Prince Harry's security situation is currently under review by RAVEC, and he has been given only the police liaison officer's mobile number for emergencies. The Duke returned to the UK in August for an 'extended stay' along with his family. Since homecoming, the Sussexes have faced security challenges, including the leak of Meghan Markle's WhatsApp number, the withdrawal of their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, from school after just two days, and sightings of foreign photographers at their new school. Under these circumstances, the government's latest assessment program may delay the Sussexes' taxpayer-funded protection cover.
According to the Telegraph, Secretary of State for the Home Department, Shabana Mahmood, announced an urgent security review for MPs, the royal family, and public figures following the killing of Former Member of the European Parliament Ann Widdecombe in July. Mahmood informed MPs that an examination of security threats will encompass physical threats, online risks, and societal polarization. She also introduced an expansion of dedicated police support to political party leaders, former MPs, and political party spokespeople, allowing them to access the same security measures and a named police officer as current MPs.
"An attack on any individual in public life is an attack on every one of us, and it is an attack on democracy itself. We owe it to those public servants we have tragically lost, and to everyone who believes in a fair and open country, to ensure those who serve receive the protection they deserve," she said.
This move has evoked concern in the Sussex camp, as one of their close sources stated that, "If the review is genuinely root-and-branch and truly independent, it could provide an opportunity to shine a light on the current processes, which appear contradictory and allow far too much discretion to be exercised according to political appetite or bias, rather than being grounded in an objective assessment of threat and risk."
The Sussexes received a security review from the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) in July. This review occurred two weeks after Widdecombe's notable incident and was prompted by the Duke's residence in the US, with only infrequent trips to the UK. Upon their return, they were given new government-backed risk assessments.
They have been guided by Ravec to provide detailed information about their new daily routines in Britain to assess their threat level. Last year, Harry lost a legal challenge against the Home Office over security arrangements, as his level of protection changed when he ceased to be a working royal.
