Harry and Meghan’s security plans for return a ‘private matter’, Burnham says

By the Editorial Team · Friday, August 21, 2026

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle plan to return to the UK later this month, possibly settling near London as their children prepare to start school, amid unresolved questions about their security arrangements. Despite Harry's ongoing legal challenges and requests for reassessment, the couple currently does not qualify for taxpayer-funded armed protection outside royal residences, raising concerns about their safety and the coverage of security costs.

Questions surrounding the security arrangements for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex persist as the couple prepares to return to the United Kingdom later this month. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to relocate to a private residence outside London, potentially in the Cotswolds area, ahead of their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, starting school in September.

Security concerns have been central to the couple’s prolonged absence from the UK, with Harry citing risks to his family’s safety as a primary reason for limiting visits. However, the question of who will cover the costs of their security upon their return remains unresolved.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham characterized the couple’s security provisions as a “private matter” during comments made recently, offering no clarification on whether taxpayer funding would be utilized. The Home Office maintained its policy of not disclosing detailed information about security arrangements to protect their integrity and ensure the safety of those involved.

Currently, the Sussexes do not qualify for taxpayer-funded protection by armed police in the UK, except when present at royal residences. This status follows a 2020 decision by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec), which downgraded Harry’s security after he stepped back from official royal duties.

In May 2025, Harry lost a legal challenge against the Home Office contesting the reduction of his UK security detail. The Duke argued that he was receiving inferior treatment and that the ruling endangered his life. However, the Court of Appeal dismissed his claims, with Judge Sir Geoffrey Vos emphasizing that the Duke’s grievances did not constitute valid legal grounds to overturn the decision. Following the ruling, Harry expressed doubts about bringing his family back to the UK under the current circumstances.

Last October, Harry requested a reassessment of his security arrangements from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. While Ravec was scheduled to conduct this review in March 2026, as of late June, a decision from the risk management board—an integral component of the evaluation process—was still pending. The Home Secretary is understood not to participate directly in this decision.

Since stepping down as senior royals in 2020, Harry and Meghan initially relocated to Canada before settling in Montecito, California. The couple’s return to the UK marks a significant change, amid ongoing discussions about their security provisions and public roles.

Separately, Harry, along with six other public figures, is expected to be informed about the legal costs they must cover following a failed High Court case against the publisher of the Daily Mail. The financial implications of this ruling are anticipated to be substantial.

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.