Prince William
An unnamed source claims Prince William doubts Prince Harry’s UK return will last, as reports link the Sussexes’ stay to a security review @princeandprincessofwales/@homewardsuk/Instagram

Prince William reportedly believes Prince Harry's UK return is not sustainable, according to an unnamed source quoted by Closer Magazine following reports that the Sussexes moved back to Britain in August with their children.

Harry lost his armed state-funded police protection in 2020 after he and Meghan stepped back from their roles as working members of the royal family and moved to California. Harry's subsequent attempts to secure protection form the background to reports that a fresh security review could influence how long the family remains in Britain.

A Reported View of Prince Harry's UK Return

Closer Magazine's source claimed that William does not expect his brother and sister-in-law to remain in Britain for long. The source described a return to the couple's home in Montecito, California, as inevitable.

'William doesn't believe they'll even last another six months,' the source stated.

That prediction is an account of William's supposed private views, rather than an announcement of the Sussexes' travel plans. The comments are attributed to an unnamed source, and the account does not include a direct statement from William confirming them.

IBTimes UK cannot independently verify the source's account of his views.

William is also reported to be keeping his distance from the security dispute. The Sussexes reportedly returned with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet for what was expected to be an extended stay. Sources close to the Sussexes have linked the prospect of their remaining in Britain to the outcome of the security review.

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Security Questions Surround Prince Harry's UK Return

Harry's efforts to overturn the loss of his protection in UK courts have reportedly been unsuccessful. The August return is reported to have prompted a fresh review by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, known as RAVEC.

Sources have suggested that an unfavourable decision could lead the family to return to California. That remains a reported possibility, rather than a confirmed departure, and the supplied material does not include a decision announcing the review's outcome.

The Daily Mail cited royal commentator Richard Eden discussing the possible implications of granting the couple police protection. His comments concerned what he believed such an arrangement could mean for their ability to travel.

Eden stated, 'The implications of this are massive because if they get it, what that then means is Harry and Meghan can come and go, and they'll still be getting police protection.'

These are Eden's predictions about a possible arrangement, rather than confirmed details of the security review.

Earl Spencer Supports Protection Amid Prince Harry's UK Return

The Guardian reported that Earl Spencer, Harry's maternal uncle and the brother of the late Princess Diana, supported official protection for the Sussexes. He referred to Harry being 'fifth in line to the throne' and having served in the military.

Spencer also drew on his experience of losing Diana in the 1997 Paris car crash, comparing the media treatment of Harry and Meghan with that experienced by his sister.

'If you look at an article in a tabloid about Diana or the couple that you were mentioning, Harry and Meghan, you know, they can be really, really unpleasant,' Spencer stated.

He explained that he would 'veer towards protection' for the couple, citing his experience of witnessing his sister 'die in very, very preventable circumstances.'

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Prince William Meghan Markle