Why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Extended UK Stay Is an 'Important Factor' in Security Case
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's return to the UK could have significantly helped their case for state-funded security in the country.
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their return to the UK last month, many were left perplexed by the decision. Why were they coming back now? Some royal fans attributed the move to King Charles’ health, while others assumed the Sussexes had run out of money. While the real reason hasn’t been revealed yet, their extended stay in the UK could be a key factor in their fight for automatic police protection.
Royal expert Anne McElvoy claimed that Harry and Markle believe they can secure an “overdue win” in the security matter. This week it was announced that RAVEC was initiating a new risk assessment for both of them, which is a big development. “Crucially, as the couple insist they are here in the UK for a lengthy if unspecified period, they escape the situation which angered Harry previously,” she wrote for The i-Paper.
Reportedly, RAVEC had judged that the Sussexes did not meet the requirement for official protection as the pair was “fleetingly in the UK” and had irregular visit patterns. “That, I am told, fell well short of a 'pattern of life' assessment which needs to be conducted to establish access to full security protection – which is not a cheap affair,” the royal expert added. But Harry and Markle changed one “important factor” in their appeal by moving to the UK for an extended stay, and the decision could significantly help their case.
The Sussexes’ claims will be further supported by their decision to withdraw Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet from their UK schools over “security concerns”. According to McElvoy, the “school-run anxieties” and the “foregrounding the security risks of convoys on busy roads” bolster Harry and Markle’s claim that they need a higher level of security. “In more ‘political’ terms, the security issue is a lever which the Duke and Duchess can deploy, based on their status in public life and prominence,” she added.
The court had ruled that while Harry had left the “cohort of individuals automatically protected by RAVEC” after stepping away from the monarchy, he entered the “protective cohort under bespoke terms” during his UK visits. It seems that the Duke of Sussex believes he will “win the security war” despite losing previous cases and an appeal. Whether or not that actually happens is left to be seen.
On a more personal front, Harry rang in his 42nd birthday on Tuesday, his first in the UK in quite a few years. Markle posted a sweet video on Instagram of him spending quality time with her and their kids, calling him “the best”.
