Prince Harry is once again challenging the decision to strip him of full police protection in the UK, but this time, he’s made it clear he won’t be turning to his father, King Charles, for help.
The Duke of Sussex, 41, has written to newly appointed Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to request that the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) conduct a fresh risk management board (RMB) assessment of his security status.
According to reports, such assessments are supposed to be carried out annually for senior royals and other qualifying VIPs. However, Harry has not had one since 2019, a year before he and Meghan Markle stepped down as senior working royals and relocated to California.
Although he no longer receives 24-hour taxpayer-funded armed protection, Harry is granted a “bespoke” level of police security when he visits the UK. This typically includes safety sweeps of charity venues and support from British Transport Police during travel. His last visit to the country was in September.
Former head of counterterrorism Neil Basu, who previously sat on Ravec, recently argued that Harry should be given close protection due to the risks associated with his high-profile status.
Earlier this year, Harry lost his High Court appeal against the Home Office’s decision to downgrade his security. He later described the ruling as “a good old-fashioned establishment stitch-up.”
The renewed push for a review could, however, complicate the Duke’s fragile reconciliation with the King. According to The Sunday Times, palace sources say the issue remains a sensitive one, with Charles previously avoiding direct contact with his son during the court case to prevent being drawn into what could be seen as a constitutional dispute.
Despite speculation of family tension, sources close to Harry insist he is not asking for his father’s intervention. “He simply wants the security assessment he believes he is entitled to,” one insider said.
A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex declined to comment.