Harry and Meghan's security arrangements a private matter, PM says

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have announced their return to the UK later this month, reigniting discussions about the level of publicly funded security they would receive. The Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), an independent body overseen by the Home Office, must now reassess their security arrangements as the previous ones were based on their temporary US residency.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the couple's security arrangements are a private matter, emphasizing that they wish them well in their move. The Home Office maintains that their protective security system is rigorous and proportionate, but they do not disclose detailed information to avoid compromising security. The Sussexes' return comes after they stepped back from their royal duties in 2020 and moved to California, where they fund their own protection.

While they are high-profile public figures with connections to the British monarchy, their non-working royal status would limit their access to taxpayer-funded security. If Prince Harry is not granted the security he had as a working royal, he would have to fund any additional protection out of his own pocket.