- The prime minister says the Duke and Duchess's security is a “private matter” while the arrangements are up in the air as the couple prepare to return to the UK this month.
- Andy Burnham, who is Mayor of Greater Manchester, was first made aware of the move on Sunday, three days before the news was made public, but he is understood to welcome the opportunity to see more of the family.
- Asked whether the government would pay for their protection, Andy Burnham said: “It’s a matter for the government and we wish them well in the move that they’re making.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are preparing to return to Britain after six years in the United States, with plans to settle in a non-royal residence outside London. They have already enrolled their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in British schools.
The couple's return comes amid ongoing discussions about their security arrangements. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak remarked that the security of the Duke and Duchess is a 'private matter,' leaving the specifics of their protection uncertain as they transition back to life in the UK.
Mayor Andy Burnham expressed his support for the couple, stating, “It’s a matter for and we wish them well in the move that they’re making.” This sentiment reflects a broader public interest in the couple's return, especially as they navigate the complexities of royal life away from the monarchy.23
The Duke of Sussex has faced legal challenges regarding his family's security since their relocation in 2020, when his level of protection changed. As they prepare for this significant life change, the couple's decision to return to Britain marks a new chapter in their lives, with hopes of reconnecting with family and the public.
“Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, was first made aware of the move on Sunday, three days before the news went public, and he welcomes the chance to see more of the family. Asked about government funding for protection, he said it's a matter for the government.”
The Independent
