'In Danger': Prince Harry Reportedly Denied Taxpayer-Funded UK Police Escort Despite Home Move

Prince Harry's UK return began at Birmingham Airport on Wednesday without taxpayer-funded security, receiving only a police liaison officer's phone number. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have moved back to start a new life.

The news came after the couple announced their decision to move back to Britain after spending six years in California. For context, they lost their automatic, publicly funded police protection when they stepped down as working royals in 2020.

Their chartered business jet touched down in the Midlands, bringing Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to their new home. However, the family was denied a formal police convoy for their onward journey. They were instead driven away in an £80,000 Mercedes-Benz V220d.

The Sussexes are reportedly unhappy with this bare-minimum security offering. Prince Harry has instructed lawyers to contact Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to request her urgent intervention. It is a wild situation for the family to navigate.

A source claimed that the Home Office is 'actively assessing' his case following the permanent relocation. However, IBTimes UK cannot independently verify these claims, so take everything lightly. Harry maintains hope that the state will reconsider its strict stance.

Relying on Private Protection Staff

David Langdown, a close friend and long-time security adviser to the duke, is currently managing the family's safety. He has reportedly established a dedicated team of British private protection staff. This privately funded arrangement fills the gap left by the state.

Former royal protection officer Scott Hamer, who previously guarded King Charles, strongly criticised the decision. He warned that the current lack of police security was putting the Sussexes 'in danger.' He also called the decision to only provide a phone number 'absolutely incredible.'

'We currently have eight non-working prime ministers who are in receipt of police protection that is paid for by the public,' Mr Hamer stated. He argued that the threats and risks to Prince Harry are far greater than those faced by former politicians.

'I am not privy to the intelligence regarding Liz Truss,' he began. 'But having been prime minister for 49 days, I would argue that Prince Harry should be in receipt of protection,' he added. It does make one wonder how the state justifies such a glaring disparity.

The Sussexes have fought a protracted legal battle with the Home Office over this issue. They maintain it is unsafe to reside in Britain without appropriate armed police security.

Navigating the Bureaucracy of Ravec

The Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) dictates these individual security arrangements. Ravec reportedly completed a fresh risk assessment for the family at the end of July. Harry then provided the mandatory 28 days' notice of his return.

Despite following protocol, the duke was reportedly not informed of Ravec's final conclusions before he landed. He remained confident that his permanent move would finally alter the committee's strict protection policies. Instead, they arrived at a private section of the airport entirely unguarded.

Government insiders indicate that officials must now make a new assessment because the family is residing in the UK. Any official recommendations will be made in due course. Until then, the couple must continue footing the bill for their own safety.

Their chartered flight is believed to cost about £9,000 per flying hour. This highlights the financial burden of maintaining a secure lifestyle. Security concerns remain at the forefront of their transition.

A New Chapter Outside London

The couple's return shocked many observers who assumed their move to Montecito was a permanent exit from British life. They now plan to operate as an 'international' family, keeping their properties in California and Portugal. Their new primary residence will be outside London.

Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have been enrolled in UK schools and will start classes next week. This relocation follows a private visit to Highgrove a month ago. During that trip, the children reunited with the King for the first time in four years.

Sources suggest the monarch wishes to see Prince Harry and Prince William mend their relationship over time. The brothers' bond deteriorated significantly around the time of the 2018 royal wedding. Accusations made by Harry on television and in his book further worsened the rift.

Insiders claim that despite the drama, the duke never really stopped missing his homeland after leaving six years ago. He wants his children to properly understand the world he grew up in. It is a very human desire, even for a prince.

Meghan is also said to feel fortunate that Archie and Lilibet can experience the cultures of both their parents. Meanwhile, the rest of the Royal Family continues their summer break at Balmoral. The King was recently photographed driving near Braemar, seemingly undisturbed by the ongoing security row.