Before his move to California, the Prince had been regarded as one of the senior figures most at risk, a position previously only held by a small number of high-profile royals and political leaders.
That status reportedly changed during a security review in early 2020, which resulted in the automatic provision of armed protection being withdrawn. Since relocating from the UK, he now funds private security at considerable expense. The new review raises questions about how future visits to Britain will be handled.
It may also increase the likelihood of Harry returning more frequently, potentially with his Meghan Markle and their children. Royal commentators believe the reconsideration could ease longstanding tensions and create an opportunity for closer ties between the Duke and his family.
Royal Reporter Bronte Coy told The Sun: “For there to be this very dramatic U-turn in the whole situation where he is effectively getting what he wants, although we don’t know what the outcome of this assessment will be, it just feels like an extraordinary sort of new chapter in the whole saga.”
“It comes at such an interesting time, where we’ve been watching so closely Harry’s moves towards reconciliation with his father, and the fact that they met up in September when he was over here,” she added.
She went on: “And it does beg the question sort of is something afoot? Is something happening? Are we moving towards clearing the path for Harry to be more involved in the UK and the Royal Family?”
The Royal and VIP Executive Committee has directed its Risk Management Board to re-evaluate Prince Harry’s security risk has been assessed for the first time in almost six years. Should the review conclude that he warrants armed protection, the cost would once again fall to the public to fund any visits he makes to the UK.
