Funding of Harry and Meghan’s UK security ‘a private matter’, says Burnham

Andy Burnham would not be drawn on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s security arrangements on their return to the UK, saying the funding for it was a “private matter”.

Harry and Meghan’s bombshell plans to move back to Britain came as a surprise to many on Wednesday night, with even the King only finding out about it just three days before it was made public.

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Asked by reporters on a visit to West Yorkshire whether the Government would establish and use taxpayers’ money to fund the duke and duchess’s security, the Prime Minister said: “Well, this is a private matter.

“It’s a matter for Harry and for Meghan, and we wish them well in the moves that they’re making.”

The couple decamped to California more than six years ago amid the Megxit crisis but now, in a dramatic U-turn, will relocate back from the US to the UK later this month to live in a non-royal residence outside of London.

Rumours have abounded as to where Harry and Meghan will choose to settle, with suggestions including rural locations in the Cotswolds in Oxfordshire or Gloucestershire, amid speculation over which schools they have chosen for their children.

The couple have already enrolled their children in British schools (Jonathan Brady/PA)

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Harry has faced a protracted legal battle with the Home Office over the security arrangements for him and his family while in the UK, after his level of protection changed when he stepped down as a working royal in 2020.

At the end of June, he was still waiting for a review by the Risk Management Board, part of the process by which the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) rules on his security requirements – and he and his security detail were working to try to ensure his July visit could take place safely.

Individual decisions on protective security for key public figures – including members of the royal family – are made by Ravec, which includes the Home Office, Metropolitan Police and Royal Household, who advise an independent chairperson.

The Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the late Queen’s lying in state in 2022 (Christopher Furlong/PA)

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PR and crisis expert Mark Borkowski warned the Sussexes’ return could backfire for the couple.

“If we’re going to see the typical Harry and Meghan three-ring circus, then we know what happens when that is played out,” Mr Borkowski told the Press Association

“That leads to massive disruption, and ultimately if they’re going to use the same tools in the same way – they’ve got to come up with a different play and a different script – that’s just repeating the sins of the past.”

He added: “The royal family will push against this big time. They will not want them back in the camp.

“They’ve got to do this by themselves. I don’t believe this is reconciliation with the royal household at all.”

Harry with his father in 2018 (Steve Parsons/PA)

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The King is said to be glad to be able to spend more time with the Sussex family, but remains adamant they will not be working royals, and there is no half-in, half-out option.

Speaking about the unexpected move to return to the UK, first reported by The Sun and Daily Telegraph, former royal correspondent Jennie Bond told Sky News: “I think we should beware a pile-on on Meghan in particular, and I can see that already happening.

“This is the decision they’ve made probably for the sake of their children, as much as for Harry.

“Perhaps Meghan is taking one for the team here, because I’m not sure this is her life’s desire to live back in the UK.”

Kate and William were seen with Harry and Meghan during the funeral for Queen ELizabeth II in 2022 (PA)

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Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have already been enrolled in British schools and are set to start in early September.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have not reacted publicly to the news, but former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt suggested William would be “apoplectic”.

William – the future king – is estranged from his brother after Harry levelled a barrage of accusations against the prince, Kate, the King and Queen Camilla in the wake of Megxit.

Harry claimed in his controversial memoir, Spare, that William had physically attacked him in a row over Meghan, and that his brother and Kate encouraged him to wear a Nazi uniform to a fancy dress party in 2005 and “howled” with laughter when they saw it.

Mr Hunt said: “In the long term, the return of the Sussexes to the UK opens up the prospect of two rival courts, William’s and Harry’s.

“The surprise return of Harry and Meghan is likely to have left William apoplectic.”

The duke and duchess may also have to win over the British public, with the couple facing low approval ratings in royal favourability polls.

The Sussexes are keeping their homes in Montecito, California; and Portugal, while the duchess will continue to run her lifestyle brand, As Ever, from their new base.

Ms Bond said retaining their other properties appeared to suggest the Sussexes were “testing the water” with the move.