Sussexes Face First UK Security Review Since 2020 Amid School Switch
Prince Harry and Meghan are undergoing their first formal security review as full-time UK residents since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. The Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) is assessing their risk levels and police protection needs. Concurrently, the couple switched their children to a new school days after term began due to security concerns regarding traffic and route safety.
Key points
- Ravec is reviewing police protection for Harry and Meghan now that they are permanent UK residents, not just visitors.
- The review includes assessing risks for their children, Archie (7) and Lilibet (5), and their daily routines.
- The family switched schools two days after term started due to security concerns about the original school run route.
- This is the first security assessment for Meghan since the couple ceased being working royals in 2020.
- Harry previously lost legal challenges against the Home Office regarding his security status.
Background
The Sussexes returned to the UK in late August 2026 after living in Montecito, California, for six years. Their return has raised questions about privacy and security, particularly regarding their children's school routines. Earlier in 2026, Harry lost a legal challenge against the Home Office over the withdrawal of automatic taxpayer-funded security when the couple stepped down as working royals. A formal letter from King Charles in September 2026 reiterated their status as non-working royals, directing operational security issues to police authorities.
How outlets are covering it
BBC and The Guardian report that Ravec met last week to discuss the couple's case, with The Telegraph noting that separate risk assessments have been commissioned for both Harry and Meghan. CNN highlights that the couple has been asked to provide detailed information about their daily routines, including school runs, to inform the decision. All sources agree that the school switch was due to security concerns about the original route, with a family spokesperson emphasizing that the move is not a reflection on the previous school. CNN notes Harry's previous legal battles over security, while BBC and The Guardian focus on the current review process.
Why it matters
The security review determines the level of taxpayer-funded police protection for the Sussexes, impacting public spending and royal security protocols. The school switch highlights the challenges of balancing privacy and security for high-profile families in the UK. The outcome of the review could set precedents for non-working royals seeking security support.
What to watch
Ravec will finalize the risk assessment and decide on the level of police protection for Harry and Meghan. The couple will continue to provide details of their routines to inform the decision. The outcome may influence future security arrangements for other non-working royals or public figures.
- Harry and Meghan to have security review after return to UK BBC
- Harry and Meghan switch children’s school just days into term CNN
- Duke and Duchess of Sussex granted security review after return to UK The Guardian
- Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet Change Schools in the U.K. After Just 2 Days Over Security Concerns People.com
- Prince Harry's children moving school after two days over security concerns Reuters
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on BBC