In recent years, the relationship between Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and the British royal family has been the subject of significant public interest and media coverage. Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, have taken on independent roles while continuing to highlight issues important to them, including mental health, social justice, and digital safety.
A key point of contention that has arisen since their departure is the matter of personal security, particularly in the United Kingdom. As public discourse continues, it is important to focus on verified facts, legal developments, and official statements—especially amid the circulation of misleading or speculative narratives online.
Background: The Sussexes’ Royal Departure in 2020
In January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to step back from senior royal duties. The decision was formalized through discussions with Queen Elizabeth II and other senior members of the royal household, resulting in a new working model referred to by the media as “Megxit.”
According to the Royal Family’s official statement published on royal.uk, the Sussexes agreed to no longer use their His/Her Royal Highness (HRH) titles and ceased to receive public funding. As a result, they became financially independent and relocated to North America—first to Canada, and later to the United States.
Security Arrangements and Legal Disputes
One of the central concerns for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex since their departure has been security while visiting the United Kingdom. In 2022, Prince Harry launched a legal challenge against the UK Home Office after his request to personally fund police protection while in the country was denied.
According to BBC News and The Guardian, Harry’s legal argument centered on the need for government-provided security given the risks he faces due to his royal status and former military service. His representatives emphasized that the Duke had offered to personally pay for this protection and was not seeking public funding.
In February 2024, the High Court in London ruled against Prince Harry, stating that the decision made by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC) was lawful. The judgment determined that there was no obligation for police security to be provided at the Duke’s request, whether or not he was willing to fund it privately.
This case was reported widely by reputable sources, including:
- BBC News
- The Guardian
- Reuters
Statements on Reconciliation and Family Ties
Prince Harry has publicly expressed a desire to mend relationships with members of the royal family. In his 2023 memoir “Spare” and various interviews, including appearances with Anderson Cooper on CBS and Tom Bradby on ITV, Harry noted that he hoped for “reconciliation” and “dialogue” but acknowledged the complexity of past events.
However, as of June 2025, no official announcement has been made by Buckingham Palace or Kensington Palace regarding a formal request from the Sussexes to return to a working royal role. Any suggestion that Prince Harry or Meghan Markle has pleaded for reinstatement or made personal financial claims is not supported by confirmed public statements or court records.
Additionally, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s official spokesperson has, in the past, denied tabloid allegations suggesting financial distress, reaffirming that the couple continues to fund their lifestyle independently through business ventures, including media production partnerships with Netflix and Spotify (until their Spotify deal ended in 2023).
Public Appearances and Royal Engagements
While the couple is no longer considered working members of the royal family, they have participated in select royal or commemorative events. For example:
- In June 2022, the Sussexes attended the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee service at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
- In September 2022, Prince Harry attended events following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, including her state funeral.
- Meghan and Harry have also continued philanthropic work through their Archewell Foundation, focused on humanitarian projects, youth empowerment, and technology safety.
According to The New York Times and Harper’s Bazaar, Prince Harry remains involved with Invictus Games, the international sporting event he founded in 2014 for wounded military personnel and veterans. He continues to make occasional appearances in the UK for charitable events and legal matters, but with privately arranged security during these visits.
The Ongoing Security Debate
Security for members of the royal family—both current and former—is managed by RAVEC, under the guidance of the Home Office and Metropolitan Police Service. Decisions are made based on risk assessments and royal protocol.
As reported by The Independent, the core issue in Prince Harry’s security dispute was whether a private citizen, even one with a royal title, can “buy” police protection typically reserved for public figures or government officials. The court’s ruling made clear that this type of security is not available on a private basis, even if paid for out of pocket.
The ruling concluded a prolonged legal process and signaled that the government would maintain discretion over police deployments and protocols. No appeal has been announced following the 2024 judgment.
Public Sentiment and Media Responsibility
Public interest in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remains high, but it is important to distinguish between verified developments and unconfirmed speculation or tabloid claims. Responsible reporting, as advised by organizations such as the UK Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) and Google News Publisher Center, requires that coverage avoids misleading headlines, fabricated quotes, or emotionally manipulative narratives.
Statements such as “Harry and Meghan begged to return” or “ran out of money” have not been confirmed by official palace communications or legitimate news agencies and should be treated with caution when encountered on unverified social media accounts or blogs.
Conclusion: Verified Developments, Not Speculation
The facts remain clear:
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and no longer receive public funding.
- A legal ruling in 2024 denied Harry’s request to pay for UK police protection.
- Public statements by the couple have expressed openness to reconciliation but have not included demands or pleas as some social media posts claim.
- No verified source has confirmed any return to working royal roles.
As the royal family and the Sussexes continue to navigate their respective paths, it is vital for media coverage and public discussion to rely on credible sources and to avoid speculation. Transparency, respect for privacy, and fact-based reporting are essential in ensuring informed public understanding.
Verified Sources Referenced
- BBC News – Prince Harry UK Security Ruling
- The Guardian – High Court Ruling Coverage
- Reuters – Security Dispute Overview
- Royal.uk – Official Royal Family Announcements
- The New York Times – Archewell and Invictus Games
- Harper’s Bazaar – Royal Family Events Coverage
- The Independent – RAVEC and Home Office Statements
