Prince Harry and Meghan have returned to the UK as full-time residents, triggering a comprehensive review of their security arrangements and prompting them to move their children to a different school within days of starting. The shift from visitor status to permanent UK residence has prompted officials to reassess the couple's protection needs and examine their daily patterns of life, including school runs and regular travel routes.
The Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, known as Ravec, has begun the process of reconsidering the level of police protection afforded to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their two children. This committee, which includes representatives from the Home Office, the police and the Royal Household, met to discuss their circumstances following their late August arrival in Britain.
According to reporting from a major UK broadcaster, separate risk management board assessments are now being commissioned for both Harry and Meghan "as soon as practicable." This marks the first formal security review for Meghan since she and Prince Harry stepped back from royal duties in 2020, while Harry had undergone a separate assessment in July—just eight weeks before this latest review.
The security evaluation will assess potential threats facing the family and determine the appropriate level of police protection required. The review encompasses their children, Archie, aged seven, and Lilibet, aged five, as well as the couple themselves.
Why did the children change schools?
The Sussexes have switched their children's school after only days at their original institution, citing security concerns about the school run. According to reporting from a US news outlet, the family's private security team had raised concerns about the distance and heavy traffic on the original route, making it difficult to secure adequately.
The names of both schools have not been made public. A source close to the couple stated:
"The parents remain extremely grateful to all the teachers and staff for the love, care and effort they have shown their family. This decision should in no way be interpreted as a reflection on the school or the exceptional care the children have received there."
According to international reporting, the couple's move to Britain has prompted officials to examine their "pattern of life," including school runs, routes, timings and other regular journeys as part of the broader security assessment.
What is Ravec and how does it work?
Ravec is the committee responsible for overseeing security arrangements for members of the Royal Family and other public figures deemed to require protection. The committee includes representatives from the Home Office, police forces and the Royal Household, allowing it to coordinate between government, law enforcement and palace officials.
When circumstances change—such as a royal or protected figure altering their residency status or travel patterns—Ravec can convene to reassess their security needs. A so-called Risk Management Board, which operates under Ravec's oversight, will consider the specific threats facing Harry and Meghan and recommend an appropriate level of police protection, though no final decisions have yet been reached.
What is the background to this review?
Prince Harry previously mounted an unsuccessful legal challenge against his police security arrangements when he was visiting the UK from the United States. His previous status as an occasional visitor meant that earlier assessments had concluded his protection would be handled on a case-by-case basis.
In August, officials had previously indicated that the couple's protection would not be increased beyond a police liaison contact number. However, their decision to relocate permanently to the UK has fundamentally altered the security calculus, as they are no longer temporary visitors but full-time residents requiring ongoing protection arrangements.
Harry's earlier risk assessment, completed at the end of July, had not been shared with him at the time it was conducted. The new reviews represent a fresh evaluation based on their changed circumstances as permanent UK residents rather than US-based visitors.
What happens next?
The two new risk management board assessments for Harry and Meghan are expected to be completed "as soon as is practicable," according to official guidance. Once these assessments are finished, Ravec is expected to meet again to consider the findings and make determinations about the appropriate level of security protection for the family.
Separately, Prince Harry was informed on Monday that Uganda would participate in next year's Invictus Games, the international sporting event for injured servicemen and women. Uganda had appeared likely to withdraw following a letter sent on behalf of King Charles emphasising that Prince Harry and Meghan remained non-working royals. However, the King's private secretary spoke directly with Uganda's military chief to reassure him of royal approval for the nation's participation.
Meghan recently posted footage on social media showing the family enjoying a countryside outing, marking their public presence since the return to the UK.
