Reports have recently suggested that Harry’s access to police protection when he visits Britain is once again under review. His security status was downgraded in 2020 after he and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped back from senior royal duties and relocated to the United States, with protection thereafter handled on a case-by-case basis.

Harry later challenged the decision in court. However, in May, he lost his appeal to have his automatic police protection restored when travelling to the UK.

Now, it has been claimed that a Home Office review will reassess whether he should once again receive full, automatic police protection during visits to Britain.

Security review and hopes of reconciliation

Amid these developments, a royal commentator has suggested that reinstating Harry’s security could open the door to repairing fractured family relationships.

Harry’s bond with the royal family has been strained since he and Meghan stepped away from their roles. The couple went on to give a series of high-profile interviews, released documentaries, and published Harry’s memoir Spare, all of which included allegations and revelations that deepened tensions.

Despite this, Harry has made clear that he remains the king’s son and wishes to rebuild bridges.

In May, following the loss of his court appeal, Harry told the BBC: “I would love a reconciliation with my family. I don’t know how much longer my father has. He won’t speak to me because of this security stuff. But it would be nice to reconcile.”

A former BBC royal correspondent weighs in

Speaking to The i Paper, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said reinstating security would be a reasonable step.

“Security is offered to a former prime minister [Liz Truss] who served barely any longer than a lettuce takes to wilt, then surely the son of the king deserves the same?” she said.

“Prince Harry is asking for the Metropolitan Police to protect him and (if he were to bring them) his family on occasional visits to the UK. It does not seem an unreasonable request. He cannot change the fact that he is the king’s son.”

Bond added that restoring security could have far-reaching emotional consequences for the family.

“If he [Harry] gets his wish and his security is restored when he is in the UK, it could pave the way to a family reunion,” she said.

“There’s no doubt that our elderly king would love to see his grandchildren. And, for all the bitterness of recent years, he still loves his youngest son, his ‘darling boy’.”

Children, heritage, and unresolved distance

Bond also said she believes Harry is “sincere when he talks about wanting his children to know and understand their heritage”.

Harry briefly reunited with his father, King Charles, in September during a visit to the UK, when they reportedly met for private tea at Clarence House. However, he did not meet with his brother, Prince William, during the trip.

King Charles has not reportedly seen his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, in person since 2022.

Reflecting on the situation earlier this year, Harry told the BBC: “I can’t see a world in which I will be bringing my wife and children back to the UK. They’re going to miss everything, I love my country. I miss the UK, I miss parts of the UK.”