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Harry’s security arrangements while in UK being reviewed – report

The duke said security concerns mean it is ‘impossible’ for him to bring Meghan and their children back to the UK safely.

By contributor Jordan Reynolds, Press Association
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Supporting image for story: Harry’s security arrangements while in UK being reviewed – report
The Duke of Sussex pictured during a visit to London in September (Suzanne Plunkett/PA)

The Duke of Sussex’s security arrangements while in the UK are being reviewed, it has been reported.

Harry wrote to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood shortly after her appointment and submitted a formal request for a risk assessment to the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec), which is overseen by the Home Office, a source close to the duke said in October.

Duke of Sussex
Harry has claimed it would be ‘impossible’ to bring his wife and their children back to the UK under the current protection levels (Aaron Chown/PA)

The Home Office has now ordered a threat assessment for the first time since 2020, the Sun reported.

It comes after the duke lost an appeal in May challenging the dismissal of his High Court claim against the Home Office over the decision of Ravec that he should receive a different degree of taxpayer-funded protection when in the country.

The legal challenge came after Harry and the Duchess of Sussex left the UK and first moved to Canada, and then California, after announcing they wanted to step back as senior royals.

The duke said the Court of Appeal decision meant it is now “impossible” for him to bring Meghan and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, back to the UK safely.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is said to have ordered a re-evaluation of Harry’s threat level after she was contacted by the duke (James Manning/PA)

Ravec has now instructed its Risk Management Board to reassess his threat level, the Sun reported.

The newspaper said the process is already under way and a decision is expected next month.

A Government spokesperson said: “The UK Government’s protective security system is rigorous and proportionate.

“It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals’ security.”

During Harry’s last visit to the UK in September, a “known stalker” came “within feet” of him on two occasions, according to a report in The Telegraph.