Prince Harry’s relationship with the Palace is reportedly strained once more due to his ongoing battle over his police protection. Following his legal defeat in regaining automatic police protection while in the UK, there has been a significant shift. The Home Office is now said to have initiated a comprehensive threat assessment for the first time since 2020.
A decision on the review by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) is anticipated this month. Sources close to Harry express confidence that his protection could be reinstated, potentially allowing him to bring his wife Meghan and children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to the UK for a visit.
Previous insiders suggested that Harry’s automatic police protection was assured, and any contrary decision would imply Palace interference. However, a former royal aide refuted such claims, stating that the Palace does not hold such authority within Ravec. The responsibility for threat analysis and security recommendations lies with intelligence and security experts during the review process for the duke’s UK visits.
In addition, government sources indicated that the risk assessment for Harry is still ongoing. While the outcome remains uncertain, it is clear that the review process is not yet complete. Meanwhile, it is unlikely that Harry will meet his father, the King, during his upcoming UK trip for the trial against the Daily Mail publisher.
Harry is scheduled to travel from California to London for his legal proceedings against Associated Newspapers Limited. Despite reuniting with Charles during his last visit, the King is expected to be in Scotland for his post-Christmas stay when the trial commences. Royal sources acknowledged the King’s desire to avoid any association with court proceedings involving his son on this occasion.
In a previous interview with the BBC, Harry mentioned strained relations with his father due to the security dispute with the Home Office. The duke’s legal challenge over security arrangements in the UK was unsuccessful, with his spokesperson declining to comment on security matters.