Meghan Markle Granted First Government-Backed Security Review Since 2020 as Sussexes Return to U.K.

Meghan Markle has been granted her first government-backed security review since she and Prince Harry stepped back from working royal duties in 2020, PEOPLE reports. The move follows the couple’s return to the U.K. with their children after six years living in California.

Officials from the Royal And VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC), an independent advisory panel to the U.K. Home Office that recommends who should receive taxpayer-funded police protection, have informed the Sussexes that separate risk assessments will be commissioned for each of them. RAVEC has asked the couple to provide details of their routines—such as school drop-offs for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—to help evaluate potential risks.

Interim protection: While formal reviews are carried out, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been granted interim security arrangements to cover their immediate needs.

Background And Recent Developments

Meghan, 45, has not had an official U.K. police risk assessment since her protection was withdrawn when the couple ceased being working royals in 2020. Prince Harry, 42, underwent a Risk Management Board (RMB) analysis in July, but the conclusions of that review have not been publicly disclosed and were performed before the family’s extended move back to Britain was announced.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the ESPY Awards on July 11, 2024Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty

The couple lost automatic police protection in the U.K. after stepping back from official royal duties. Harry pursued legal challenges to restore official protection and was unsuccessful in a high-profile court case; his appeal was later dismissed. He has said he did not feel safe bringing his children to the U.K. without formal security—an issue that has been central to public and legal debate.

Royal Clarification

On Sept. 7, King Charles issued guidance to senior government, military and local officials reiterating that Harry and Meghan remain non-working members of the royal family despite their return. The guidance emphasized that there is "no change" to the couple’s official status and instructed organisations to direct questions about state courtesies or the use of public funds to Buckingham Palace, while operational security matters should be handled by the relevant police authorities.

"To help avoid doubt or confusion, the King has directed that the following information be shared," the letter says, noting that questions about courtesies and public funding should go to Buckingham Palace and operational security matters to the police.

Public Response And Family Life

Since returning to England, Meghan shared short family clips on Instagram showing Archie and Lilibet riding bikes, Harry fishing with the children and the couple walking together—moments that underline the family nature of the security considerations. The fresh round of official reviews has renewed public attention on how the U.K. will approach protection for high-profile former working royals.

The situation remains fluid as authorities complete formal assessments and decide what level, if any, of taxpayer-funded protection will be appropriate going forward.