Security funding for Harry and Meghan's UK return is a 'private matter', says Andy Burnham

Security funding for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when they return to live in the UK this month is a “private matter”, Andy Burnham has said.

News of Harry and Meghan’s planned return to Britain from the US came as a surprise to many on Wednesday night; King Charles was only informed three days earlier.

Asked by reporters on a visit to West Yorkshire whether the government would establish and fund the couple’s security, the prime minister said: “Well, this is a private matter.

“It’s a matter for Harry and for Meghan, and we wish them well in the moves that they’re making.”

The couple moved to California in 2020 but will return to make their home in a non-royal residence outside London.

Harry has been through a protracted legal battle with the Home Office over the security arrangements for him and his family while in the UK, after his level of protection changed when he stepped down as a working royal in 2020.

At the end of June, he was still waiting for a review by the risk management board, part of the process by which the executive committee for the protection of royalty and public figures rules on his security requirements; and he and his private security staff were working to try to ensure a visit in July could take place safely.

No further details about any UK security arrangements have been made public.

The couple and their two children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, are expected to relocate later in August, with the children already enrolled at a British school.

The Sussexes had a reunion with King Charles last month at Highgrove in Gloucestershire. The king is said to welcome the opportunity to see more of his family in a personal capacity but there will be no change in their status as private individuals.

There has been no official comment from the Sussexes.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are said to have also been informed of the decision. Prince William remains estranged from his brother over criticism the Sussexes have aimed at him, Catherine, Charles and Camilla since their departure from the UK.

The former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt suggested the couple’s return would have left William, the future king, “apoplectic”.

“In the long term, the return of the Sussexes to the UK opens up the prospect of two rival courts: William’s and Harry’s. In the short term, Harry will be able to deepen his rapprochement with his father. And his presence back home will make it harder for his brother to duck a reconciliation,” Hunt told the Press Association.

“The surprise return of Harry and Meghan is likely to have left William apoplectic.”

It is understood Harry and Meghan will not be offered a “half-in half-out” option in terms of royal roles. That option was firmly rejected by the late Queen Elizabeth II at the so-called Sandringham summit in 2020, which thrashed out the terms of their departure from the UK and resulted in them officially stepping down as senior royals and no longer using their HRH titles.

The Sussexes will retain their homes in Montecito, California, and Portugal, and Meghan will continue to run her lifestyle brand As Ever from their new base.