Harry and Meghan Granted UK Security Review as Children Switch Schools

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been granted a formal review of their publicly funded security following their relocation to the United Kingdom, according to reports from the BBC and The Telegraph. The Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) met to reconsider the couple’s level of police protection now that they and their two children are full-time residents rather than occasional visitors.

RAVEC’s chair informed Prince Harry that the committee commissioned a new risk assessment for him and a separate assessment for Meghan Markle. The committee asked the couple to provide their schedules and daily routines, including the school run, to inform their evaluation. RAVEC includes representatives from the Home Office, the police, and the Royal Household, with its Risk Management Board analyzing threats against the family.

This marks the first such security risk assessment for the Duchess of Sussex since she and Prince Harry stepped back as working members of the royal family in 2020 and moved to the United States. Prince Harry received a separate review of his potential risks earlier in the summer, prior to confirming his return to live in the UK, as reported by the BBC.

Last year, Prince Harry lost a legal challenge against the Home Office after automatic tax-funded security for him and his family was withdrawn when they stepped down as working royals. In a witness statement, Prince Harry said, The UK is my home. Given how vital Britain is to my children’s cultural roots, I want them to feel as comfortable there as they currently do in America. Security must be guaranteed while they are in the country for that to occur. Putting my wife in such a perilous situation is impossible for me, and my personal history makes me hesitant to expose myself to unnecessary danger either.

Following their return to the UK on August 26, a formal letter was issued on behalf of King Charles reiterating their status as non-working royals. The letter stated that the couple were akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests and that any operational security issues should continue to be directed to the relevant police authorities.

The security review coincides with a recent change in schooling for the couple’s children, Archie, aged seven, and Lilibet, aged five. The Sussexes switched their children to a new school just days after the autumn term began due to security concerns regarding the school run.

Hello! magazine reported that the family’s private security team grew concerned that the distance and heavy traffic on the original route made the daily journey difficult to secure adequately. A family spokesperson told Hello! magazine, The parents remain extremely grateful to all the teachers and staff for the love, care and effort they have shown their family. This decision should in no way be interpreted as a reflection on the school or the exceptional care the children have received there.