Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have been granted a new security review following their return to the UK as full-time residents. The royal and VIP executive committee (Ravec), which oversees tax-funded security for royalty and public figures, is reconsidering the couple's level of police protection. This marks a significant development in their ongoing battle for publicly funded security.
Background on the Sussexes' Security Battle
The couple stepped back as working members of the royal family in 2020 and subsequently lost their automatic tax-funded security. Prince Harry has been vocal about his desire to ensure the safety of his family in the UK. Last year, he lost a legal challenge against the Home Office after his security was withdrawn. In his witness statement, Harry said, "The UK is my home. The UK is central to the heritage of my children and a place I want them to feel at home as much as where they live at the moment in the US. That cannot happen if it's not possible to keep them safe when they are on UK soil."
What the New Security Review Entails
Ravec met last week to discuss the couple's case, now that they and their children are full-time residents in the UK rather than just visitors. This is the first risk assessment for Meghan since the couple stepped back from royal duties. Prince Harry was granted a review of his security in July but has yet to receive a decision. According to The Telegraph, Ravec's chair informed Harry last week that the committee had commissioned a new risk assessment and a separate one for Meghan, in light of their return to the UK. The committee has reportedly asked the couple to provide their schedules and daily routine, including the school run, to inform their decision.
Comparison of Security Status Before and After
| Aspect | Before UK Return | After UK Return |
|---|---|---|
| Residency Status | Part-time visitors | Full-time residents |
| Security Level | No automatic tax-funded security | Under review for new risk assessment |
| Meghan's Assessment | None since 2020 | First risk assessment commissioned |
| Harry's Assessment | Review granted in July, no decision | New risk assessment commissioned |
Key Takeaways from the Security Review
- The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are now full-time residents in the UK, prompting a review of their security needs.
- Ravec has commissioned separate risk assessments for both Harry and Meghan.
- The couple has been asked to provide their schedules and daily routines to aid the decision.
- This is the first risk assessment for Meghan since 2020.
- The outcome could set a precedent for future security arrangements for non-working royals.
Implications for the Royal Family and Public
The security review comes amid ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and the royal family. It raises questions about the level of protection afforded to non-working royals and the criteria used to determine tax-funded security. The decision will be closely watched by both the public and royal watchers. For Harry and Meghan, a favorable outcome would allow them to establish a permanent base in the UK while ensuring their safety. However, critics argue that taxpayers should not bear the cost of security for individuals who have stepped back from royal duties.
FAQ
What is Ravec and what does it do?
Ravec stands for the Royal and VIP Executive Committee. It is responsible for overseeing tax-funded security for royalty, public figures, and other VIPs in the UK. The committee assesses risk and determines the level of police protection required.
Why did Harry and Meghan lose their security?
They lost their automatic tax-funded security when they stepped back as working members of the royal family in 2020. The Home Office decided that they would no longer receive the same level of protection since they were no longer representing the monarchy.
What happens next in the security review?
Ravec will conduct risk assessments for both Harry and Meghan, taking into account their schedules and daily routines. The committee will then decide on the appropriate level of security. There is no set timeline, but a decision is expected in the coming months.
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