Prince Harry’s long-running battle over police protection in Britain could create a fresh divide between the Royal Family, the government and the British public.
Writing on Substack, European editor-at-large Tom Sykes claimed that the campaign to restore Harry’s state-funded security is “well underway” and has received support from senior government figures.
However, Sykes argued that the move could prove deeply unpopular, citing polling that reportedly found only 2 percent of British taxpayers believe they should cover the Sussexes’ security costs.
The issue is particularly sensitive because Harry is no longer a working royal and has spent years publicly criticizing the institution. His possible return to Britain has also raised questions about whether he should first attempt to repair his strained relationship with Prince William and Princess Kate.
Sykes focused much of his criticism on King Charles, suggesting that the monarch must be aware of any efforts to reconsider Harry’s protection arrangements.
“Any idea that the King is not nodding this through is, frankly, absurd,” he wrote.
According to Sykes, granting Harry and Meghan enhanced security after their attacks on the monarchy could be difficult for many people to accept.
“It’s going to go down incredibly badly,” he warned, arguing that the Sussexes could find themselves in a stronger position than any other non-working members of the Royal Family.
Sykes also highlighted the possible cost of providing Harry with round-the-clock protection. He estimated that maintaining one officer on duty at all times would require a team of at least five people to cover weekends, holidays and illness.
“At £80,000 ($109,000) per year, that’s £400,000 ($545,000) in salaries alone,” he wrote. “Once you add employer costs, vehicles and overtime, you’re looking at something closer to £700,000 ($950,000) a year.”
Those figures are Sykes’ estimates and have not been confirmed by the government.
Decisions concerning security for members of the Royal Family and other public figures are handled by RAVEC, the committee responsible for assessing protection needs in the UK.
Former Home Secretary David Blunkett also appeared open to Harry receiving some level of protection, saying it was “hard to imagine how he and his family would not receive some protection.”
For Sykes, the possibility of a change makes clear communication from Buckingham Palace essential.
“There needs to be crystal-clear, on-the-record communication from the King’s office,” he said, warning that continued silence could make Charles “look weak.”
He added that the sight of Harry and Meghan arriving at Heathrow Airport with a police escort could become “the final straw” for critics who opposed using public money to protect the couple.
No final decision regarding Harry’s security arrangements has been publicly announced.
