When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from their royal duties in early 2020, the question of security became a significant issue. As part of their decision to pursue an independent life outside the royal family, the couple relinquished their official royal roles and the associated public funding, which included their security detail. This move led to confusion and debate about who would cover the costs of their protection, which had been funded by the British taxpayers as members of the royal family.
Initially, the British government did not offer to pay for Harry and Meghan’s security after their departure. In fact, the couple made clear that they would no longer be receiving public funding to support their lifestyle, which included royal security. The British government, through the Home Office, had previously provided security for all senior members of the royal family due to their high-profile roles and potential threats. However, when the Sussexes decided to step down, they chose to live in the United States, a move that complicated matters.
Following their relocation to California, Harry and Meghan were faced with increased threats from paparazzi, stalkers, and other potential security risks. The couple sought to maintain a high level of security, but with the British government no longer footing the bill, they turned to private arrangements. Harry and Meghan began paying for their own security through private security firms, as the UK government and taxpayers were no longer responsible for their protection.
Despite this, the situation remained a subject of public debate. Harry, in particular, expressed concerns about his safety and that of his family. In a notable interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, Harry revealed that the couple had been denied police protection from the British government, even though they were still being targeted by paparazzi and facing significant threats to their safety. In response to this, Harry pursued a private legal challenge, seeking permission to personally fund police protection while in the UK.
The matter of security became especially contentious when Harry was involved in a legal case against the Home Office over the decision not to offer him police protection when visiting the UK. He argued that his private security team could not replicate the expertise and experience of the UK police force. Ultimately, the legal battle highlighted a growing divide between the Sussexes and the British government, with many questioning whether a former royal should be entitled to taxpayer-funded security even after stepping back from royal duties.
In the aftermath, the couple’s private security arrangements were scrutinized by the media, with reports suggesting that they had spent substantial amounts on protecting themselves and their family. While the British government made it clear that public funding for security would not be available to non-working members of the royal family, the case raised broader questions about the responsibilities of the state and the protection of its citizens, even those who have stepped down from public roles.
The British government did not offer to pay for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's security after they resigned from their royal duties. The couple was forced to rely on private funding for their protection, which led to legal challenges and continued debate over the balance between personal choice and public responsibility.
