Prince Harry has reportedly made a new formal request to the UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, seeking to reinstate his taxpayer-funded security — a move that could pave the way for his children, Archie and Lilibet, to finally visit the United Kingdom.
According to GB News, the Duke of Sussex has submitted his petition to the Home Office, appealing to the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), which is responsible for determining security arrangements for high-profile figures. The committee operates under the Home Office and plays a key role in assessing the need for official protection.
Senior royal commentator Jennie Bond told GB News that Harry “has a point” when it comes to his concerns about personal safety, given his unique position as both the King’s son and a former British Army officer. “I’m not suggesting he should have taxpayer-funded security when he has chosen to live in the United States, but when he is in the United Kingdom, it doesn’t seem too much to ask to have security provided by the Metropolitan Police,” she said.
Bond also suggested that an improvement to Harry’s security arrangements could help heal family ties and make future visits more feasible. “If there were to be an upgrade to his security arrangements, it could clear the way for him to bring his children, and his wife if she wanted to come, to visit the family back home,” she added.
The Duke’s ongoing legal and administrative efforts to regain official protection have been a source of public attention since he and Meghan Markle stepped down as working royals in 2020. Since then, Harry has been responsible for funding his own security during visits to the UK — an issue he has challenged in court multiple times, arguing that his safety remains at risk due to his royal status and past military service.
However, Bond cautioned Harry against involving King Charles III in the matter. “Harry would do well to avoid drawing his father into his dispute, as that does put the King in a very difficult position,” she said.
A Home Office spokesperson confirmed receipt of Harry’s petition but declined to provide details, citing privacy and safety concerns. “The UK Government’s protective security system is rigorous and proportionate,” the spokesman said. If Harry’s request is approved, it could mark a significant step toward reuniting the Sussex family with the royal fold on British soil.