The UK Home Office has reversed its stance on Prince Harry's security, ordering a full threat assessment for him and his family for the first time since 2020. The review, with a decision expected this month, could restore the automatic police protection Harry lost after quitting royal life and moving to America.
Prince Harry, 41, has consistently argued that Britain is too unsafe for his wife Meghan Markle and their children without police protection. He lost a court battle over security just last year. Under current arrangements, he must inform the Metropolitan Police one month before travelling to the UK.
Expert backs security reinstatement
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond argues the protection should be restored. «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,» Bond told The Mirror. «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.»
Harry is reportedly confident the automatic protection will be reinstated. His lawyers previously argued that current security arrangements put his life "at stake."
Children could visit grandfather
If security is restored, Harry's children Archie, six, and Lilibet, four, could visit the UK more frequently. King Charles and Queen Camilla have seen their grandchildren only a handful of times. Harry last met his father in person in September for a 55-minute meeting.
«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,» Bond said. «So, if that obstacle is removed, it seems reasonable to presume that he will bring Archie and Lilibet over here.»
Bond believes most people would welcome seeing «our old King reunited with the son he called his "darling boy" and with the grandchildren he barely knows.»
Meghan unlikely to return frequently
Bond doubts Meghan will return to the UK often, despite any security improvements. «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,» the expert said. «So, perhaps in future we will see more of Harry and possibly the children.»
She added: «But I'm less convinced that the public is ready for Meghan Part Two.»
No return to royal duties expected
Speculation about Harry resuming royal duties is unfounded, according to Bond. «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,» she said.
Bond called such a scenario «a smack in the face to William, who has remained so completely loyal to his father and his duty.» Any part-time royal role for Harry would contradict the established position that one cannot be "half in and half out" of royal responsibilities.
Harry has reportedly offered King Charles a special role in the Invictus Games when they are hosted in Birmingham in 2027, potentially allowing father and son to appear together publicly.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
