Prince Harry Requests State Security for UK Relocation

Prince Harry has privately appealed to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood for state-funded security for his family following their announcement that they are moving back to the United Kingdom. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex plan to reside in a private home outside London and have enrolled their children in British schools for September.

The request follows a July risk assessment by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), which determined Harry was ineligible for state funding. That decision occurred before the government was aware of the family's permanent relocation. Round-the-clock police protection is estimated to cost taxpayers over £5 million annually.

While King Charles III reportedly welcomes the move, the couple will remain private individuals and will not resume roles as working royals. Prime Minister Andy Burnham declined to comment on the security request, characterizing it as a private matter. The Home Office has maintained that its protective security system is rigorous and proportionate, noting a policy against providing detailed information on such arrangements to avoid compromising security integrity.