Prince Harry Pleads With Home Secretary Over Security Ahead of UK Return

Prince Harry Appeals Directly to Home Secretary

Prince Harry has contacted Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood directly to request a formal decision regarding taxpayer-funded police protection for his family.

The intervention by the 41-year-old duke comes as they prepare to move back to Britain within weeks, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Risk Assessment Triggered by Permanent Relocation Plan

Government sources cited by The Telegraph confirmed that the review was conducted before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their permanent relocation plan. Officials say this shift fundamentally changes the nature of the security assessment.

The risk assessment was completed at the end of July by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee’s risk management board.

Government Silence on Individual Security Arrangements

The Home Office has consistently declined to comment on individual security arrangements.

Instead, the department maintains that its protective security system is rigorous and proportional.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham also declined to discuss the matter publicly, describing the relocation as a private issue for the family.

Previous Legal Challenges and Ravec Review Expected

The security dispute stems from the removal of Harry’s automatic entitlement to taxpayer-funded police protection after he stepped back as a working member of the royal family in 2020. His subsequent legal challenge over the arrangements concluded in May 2025 when the Court of Appeal dismissed his final appeal.

Previous protection decisions made by Ravec—which includes representatives from the Home Office, the Cabinet Office, the Foreign Office, the Metropolitan Police, and the Royal Household—evaluated security needs based on the family residing primarily outside the UK.

With the family planning to establish a permanent residence in Britain and enroll their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in a British school for the upcoming term, Ravec is expected to review the updated circumstances.

The Duke of Sussex has not yet received the findings of the July risk assessment, prompting his direct appeal to the Home Secretary for answers.