After years of legal battles, Harry has successfully convinced the British Home Office to order a reassessment of the threats to his safety.
This is the first time since 2020 that his risk level has been reviewed, a development that could change the rules of the game for his visits to the United Kingdom.
The process is already underway, with statements gathered from the police, the government, and the Duke’s team, and a decision is expected next month.
It all began when Harry lost his 24-hour armed police protection after stepping down from his official duties in the royal family. In February 2020, an assessment determined that his threat level had decreased, which removed his automatic right to taxpayer-funded security escorts.
Since then, he has lived in California with Meghan, six-year-old Archie, and four-year-old Lilibet, and his annual private security bill has reached millions.
He must now notify the Metropolitan Police 30 days in advance of each trip to Great Britain, allowing them to assess his security on a case-by-case basis. Some argue this system is more costly than maintaining a permanent armed escort.
The prince has been clear about his reasons for not bringing his family back. After losing his legal battle this year, he described it as “an old-fashioned establishment trap” and said he couldn’t imagine bringing his wife and children back under the current conditions.
King Charles hasn’t seen his grandchildren since June 2022, during the celebrations for Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. Harry has returned only occasionally, including a visit in September where he met with his father for the first time in 19 months.