Prince Harry is said to be confident of winning back his automatic police protection in the UK after a review – and it could lead to a huge move by the Sussexes
Prince Harry has been locked in a bitter battle over his security arrangements in the UK for years – but all could be about to change. After losing his legal case to have his automatic police protection while in the UK reinstated, in a major U-turn, the Home Office is said to have now ordered a full threat assessment for the first time since 2020.
The outcome of the review is expected this month, with sources close to the Duke of Sussex said to be ‘confident’ it could be restored. Throughout his battle, Harry argued that his security situation in the UK made it “impossible” for him to safely bring his wife, Meghan and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, back to his home country.
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He also said the situation had driven a wedge between him and his father the King, with Harry also previously claiming the pair weren’t on speaking terms. The King has only seen his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, a handful of times, with the pair being brought up with their parents in California. Meghan has also not visited the UK since 2022, when the late Queen died.
If Harry does win his automatic security back, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes Harry could be quick to bring his children over to visit his home country – but there could be a stumbling block. She told the Mirror: “Harry says the security issue has been the biggest obstacle in any reconciliation with his family, and the primary reason that he has not brought his family to see their grandfather and experience their heritage.
“So, if that obstacle is removed, it seems reasonable to presume that he will bring Archie and Lilibet over here. And I think most people would be glad to see our old King reunited with the son he called his “darling boy“ and with the grandchildren he barely knows. But I’m less convinced that the public is ready for Meghan Part Two. She’s clearly happy at home in California and I can’t see why she would want to come to the UK and face possible hostility. So, perhaps in future we will see more of Harry and possibly the children.”
If Harry does see a favourable outcome from his review, it has been speculated he could spend more and more time in the UK – and could potentially even help out the ever small band of working royals with some royal engagements on behalf of the King.
But Jennie isn’t so sure, and explained: “I don’t think that he will be taking on any royal duties here. The decision was made that you cannot be half in and half out. Personally, I think that was pretty harsh, however it is the way things are. And I think it would be a smack in the face to William, who has remained so completely loyal to his father and his duty, to allow Harry back as a working royal, even a part-time one.”
Last night it was reported that Harry – who has spent only a few minutes alone with his dad since stepping back as a working royal in 2020 – is said to be offering him a special role at the Invictus Games when it returns to the UK next year.
It means the father and son could appear on stage together at the opening ceremony at the NEC in Birmingham next June, marking a significant thawing in their relationship after years of near-silence.
At present, Harry must inform the Metropolitan Police a month before travelling to the UK, who look at his security needs on a case-by-case basis. But his lawyers have previously argued this has put his life “at stake”.
In October, it emerged that a ‘known’ stalker of Harry came within yards of him during his visit to the UK last September. They were reportedly found hiding in the toilets of a swanky London hotel just minutes before he was due to arrive for an event.
And Jennie added: “I think this decision, which looks pretty imminent, is a vindication for Harry. He has stamped his feet, complained to the government, taken matters to the High Court and publicly denounced its decision to deny his plea as a ‘good old-fashioned establishment stitch -up’.
“But I think it would be the correct decision to restore his security. As he has consistently argued, nothing has changed about the threat level he faces. He is still the King’s son, still fifth in line to the throne and, most pertinently, still a former army officer who served and killed in Afghanistan. He and his family are obvious targets.”
Source: Mirror
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