British Prime Minister Calls Harry and Meghan's Security a Private Matter
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that the issue of security for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex following their planned move from the U.S. to the United Kingdom is a “private matter.” He declined to comment on the possible funding for the couple’s security and wished them success with the move, according to The Guardian World.
Harry and Meghan, who moved to North America more than six years ago, are set to settle into a home near London that is not a royal residence. Their children—seven-year-old Prince Archie and five-year-old Princess Lilibet—have already been enrolled in British schools and are set to begin classes in September.
According to the publication, King Charles III was informed of the couple’s decision on Sunday. Harry and Meghan’s status as private citizens and non-working members of the royal family, who do not perform official royal duties, will remain unchanged.
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The issue of security for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has been the subject of a long-running legal dispute between Harry and the UK Home Office. Last year, he lost a case regarding the level of security for himself and his family during visits to the country. Automatic government security was revoked after the couple ceased to fulfill their duties as working members of the royal family.
Decisions regarding the security of members of the royal family are made by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee—an independent body overseen by the Home Office. The prime minister does not make such decisions. The Times reported that there are no plans to provide the couple and their children with armed security at taxpayers’ expense.
After leaving the United Kingdom, Harry was assigned a personalized security detail. In the United States, the Sussexes paid for the services of a private security firm. They also intend to keep their properties in Montecito, California, and Portugal.
