Prince Harry has reportedly made a final decision not to return to the United Kingdom ahead of his upcoming court hearing over security arrangements, as concerns over safety continue to weigh heavily on the Duke of Sussex. Harry has been engaged in a long-running legal dispute with the UK Home Office, challenging the government’s decision to downgrade his police protection following his 2020 departure from royal duties.
The security downgrade has been a point of contention for the prince, who argues that he and his family are at risk when visiting Britain without full police protection. According to a report by the Express, former royal butler Grant Harrold shared insights into Harry’s fears, suggesting that safety concerns may be the driving force behind his decision not to return.
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“I think Harry’s biggest concern about returning is anyone trying to attack him or his family because there is a love-hate relationship between him and the British public,” Harrold said in a statement on behalf of Techreport.com. “He will be worried about that relationship. There is always a risk and that will always be in the back of his mind,” he added.
Harrold, who worked closely with the royal household, noted that while public opinion on Harry has been divided, the security issue is likely a significant deterrent. The concern for potential harm is not limited to Harry himself but also extends to his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children, Archie and Lilibet.
“This is potentially the biggest reason he won’t return, but I think it’s also to do with his family,” Harrold explained. “As he hasn’t got the protection here, I’m sure it’s part of the reason he doesn’t want to return and he is worried about any assassination attempts on him or his family.”
The legal case, which is expected to be heard in April, centers on whether Harry should be allowed to personally fund police protection while in the UK, something the government has so far rejected. The outcome could set a precedent for how security is handled for former senior royals going forward.
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As the hearing approaches, Harry’s absence from the UK continues to highlight the complex and strained relationship between the Duke of Sussex, the British establishment, and the public he once served as a working royal.
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