Omanghana
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has declined to discuss security and funding arrangements for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ahead of their planned return to the United Kingdom.
Burnham described the issue as a “private matter” when reporters asked whether the government would provide and finance protection for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their children.
“This is a private matter. It’s a matter for Harry and Meghan, and we wish them well in the moves that they’re making,” the prime minister said.
Harry and Meghan reportedly intend to relocate from California to a private, non-royal residence outside London later in August. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have reportedly been enrolled in British schools ahead of the new academic term in September.
King Charles was said to have been informed of the family’s plans shortly before the decision became public. The move is expected to allow the monarch to spend more time with his grandchildren in a private capacity.
Despite returning to Britain, Harry and Meghan will remain non-working royals and will not resume official duties on behalf of the monarchy.
The couple stepped back from senior royal responsibilities in 2020 and subsequently lost automatic access to taxpayer-funded police protection. They have relied primarily on private security arrangements while living in the United States.
Harry previously pursued legal action against the Home Office over changes to the protection provided to him and his family during visits to Britain. His challenge was unsuccessful, although his security needs may be reassessed following the decision to relocate.
Protective arrangements for prominent members of the Royal Family and other public figures are determined by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, known as RAVEC. The committee includes representatives from the Home Office, Metropolitan Police and Royal Household and operates independently of direct prime ministerial decision-making.
A Home Office spokesperson said the United Kingdom’s protective security system was rigorous and proportionate but maintained that details would not be disclosed because doing so could compromise its effectiveness.
Reports indicate that the government currently has no plans to restore automatic taxpayer-funded armed protection for the Sussex family. Any future arrangement would depend on a security assessment that considers Harry’s public profile, military service and reported threats against him.
The family is expected to retain its properties in California and Portugal despite establishing a home in Britain.
Source: Omanghana
