As Harry’s UK security is ‘reviewed’ 2 in 5 say HE should pay

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 20, 2026

A recent YouGov poll shows that 39 percent of Britons believe Prince Harry should pay for his own police protection during visits to the UK, amid ongoing debate over taxpayer-funded security. The Home Office is reviewing its decision to withdraw his 24-hour armed protection, with the outcome expected next month potentially affecting his ability to visit the country safely with his family.

A recent poll indicates significant public debate in the United Kingdom over the provision of police protection for Prince Harry during his visits to the country. While many Britons support security for the former royal, a substantial portion believes he should finance this protection himself.

The YouGov survey, conducted among more than 8,000 adults, found that 39 percent of respondents think Prince Harry should pay for police officers to guard him and his family when they are in the UK. This view contrasts with current policies upheld by the Home Office, which maintains that allowing private funding for police protection would effectively turn the Metropolitan Police into “guns for hire,” a practice the government has firmly opposed.

The poll further reveals that 28 percent of those surveyed believe Prince Harry should not receive any protection, while only 17 percent support taxpayer-funded security coverage. Another 16 percent of participants were uncertain on the issue.

These findings emerge amid reports that the Home Office has agreed to review its previous decision to withdraw Prince Harry’s 24-hour armed police protection during visits to the UK. The protection was initially removed after the Duke of Sussex stepped back from official royal duties and relocated to California to pursue commercial ventures.

In May, Prince Harry lost a High Court appeal challenging the withdrawal, which he criticized as an unfair “establishment stitch-up.” However, the Home Office’s risk management board, known as Ravec, has now ordered a reassessment of the security risks surrounding the prince and his family. The outcome of this review, expected next month, could potentially restore official security arrangements.

Supporters of Prince Harry suggest that reinstating protection may facilitate visits to the UK with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Archie and Lilibet. The King has reportedly not been able to see his grandchildren since 2022.

As the review progresses, the debate raises questions about the balance between public safety, the allocation of security resources, and the responsibilities of former members of the royal family residing abroad.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.