1 week ago
Harry and Meghan’s Return Raises UK Taxpayer Security Concerns
Prince Harry and Meghan are planning to return to Britain with their children.
They may need police protection because members of the royal family can face safety threats.
The couple lost their taxpayer-funded security after leaving royal duties.
Harry also lost a court case about getting official protection.
A UK group is reviewing what security they need now.
One expert says they might need a middle level of protection instead of the most expensive kind.
Some politicians think the government should pay, but most people in one poll disagreed.
The article suggests that Harry’s father, King Charles, or other royal funds could help pay instead.
Prince Harry and Meghan are returning to the UK from California with their two children, Archie and Lilibet, six years after stepping back from royal duties.
Their taxpayer-funded security was withdrawn after their departure, and Harry lost a legal challenge over his security arrangements last year.
A UK body is reviewing the family’s protection needs as they consider becoming permanent residents again.
Former Home Secretary David Blunkett said they may need an intermediate level of protection rather than the highest level provided to senior royals.
A Times poll found 71% of respondents opposed government payment for any of the couple’s security costs, while estimates place potential costs at £3 million to £5 million annually.
- Who
- Prince Harry, Meghan, their children Archie and Lilibet, UK authorities, and British taxpayers are central to the dispute.
- What
- The UK is reviewing whether the Sussex family should receive publicly funded police security after their planned return.
- Where
- The family is returning to the United Kingdom from California.
- When
- The return is occurring six years after Harry and Meghan left the UK; a fresh security review was conducted earlier this year and will be rerun for permanent residency.
- Why
- Authorities must assess potential threats to the family, while the debate centers on whether taxpayers, the royal household, or Harry himself should fund protection.
Publicly Funded Protection
Private or Royal-Funded Protection
Who should pay?
Publicly Funded Protection
Some Labour lawmakers argue that the state should fund security because Harry remains fifth in line to the throne and royal family members may face serious threats.
Private or Royal-Funded Protection
Most respondents in the cited Times poll opposed any government payment, and the article argues that Harry, King Charles, or royal funds should cover the cost instead.
Level of protection
Publicly Funded Protection
Supporters of official protection point to threats against royals, including past kidnappings, assassinations, and unauthorized entry into Buckingham Palace.
Private or Royal-Funded Protection
David Blunkett argues that Harry’s family likely needs a temporary, intermediate level of protection rather than the highest level assigned to senior royals.
Private security option
Publicly Funded Protection
Harry could potentially pay for private round-the-clock security, but the article says armed support would still require police because only law enforcers can carry guns in the UK.
Private or Royal-Funded Protection
The article suggests private or royal funding could reduce the burden on taxpayers while still allowing police to provide necessary armed assistance.
Key facts
- Public opinion
- A YouGov poll found 21% welcomed the return, 33% opposed it, and 45% had no view.
- Security opinion
- A Times poll found 71% believed the government should pay none of the couple’s security costs; 2% supported paying the full cost.
- Estimated cost
- Politicians and security experts estimated specialist protection could cost £3 million to £5 million per year per individual or family.
- Current security review
- An independent UK body reviewed the family’s arrangements earlier this year and plans another assessment for permanent residents.
- Protection levels
- The Metropolitan Police provides three broad levels, ranging from a trained security driver to armed officers and backup vehicles.
- Harry’s legal position
- Harry lost a legal challenge over his security status last year after taxpayer-funded protection was withdrawn following his departure from official duties.
- Royal funding
- The article says the royal household received £132.1 million last year for working duties and lifestyle, excluding security costs and separate private income.
Quotes
Princess Anne
The sister of King Charles, who resisted a kidnapping attempt in 1974.
“I can't see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK.”
NDTV
“Not bloody likely”
NDTV
Sources
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