A close associate of Prince Harry has criticized the decision to not grant him automatic police protection in the UK as being vindictive. Alex Rayner, who attended Eton and undertook a charity expedition to the North Pole with Prince Harry, expressed his discontent, suggesting that other members of the royal family receive security despite having less demanding roles.

Prince Harry lost his automatic police protection in the UK when he and Meghan, his wife, left the country following their decision to step back as working royals. Despite submitting a formal request for a risk assessment to the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec), Harry’s plea for reinstated security was unsuccessful after a legal battle.

In a statement to the Daily Mail, Alex Rayner emphasized Harry’s vulnerability, especially after serving in conflict zones like Afghanistan during his military career. Rayner questioned the fairness of expecting Harry to cover security expenses privately, pointing out that other royals with lesser roles receive protection funded by taxpayers.

Recent reports indicated a potential restoration of armed police protection for Harry during his visits to the UK, but disagreements within Ravec have surfaced. Some senior officials from the Home Office, Cabinet Office, and Foreign Office are hesitant to approve security measures due to concerns about public backlash over taxpayer funding.

Although a final decision is pending, sources suggest internal divisions within Ravec, with differing opinions on the necessity of police protection for Prince Harry. While political members are cautious about the public perception, security experts stress the critical need for security given the existing threats.

During a previous legal battle, Prince Harry highlighted the security challenges he faces in the UK, making it unsafe for him to bring his family back. Despite the setbacks, Prince Harry remains committed to public service and supporting charitable causes, expressing his disappointment at not being able to return to the UK with his family.

Presently, Prince Harry must inform the Metropolitan Police in advance of his UK visits for security assessments on a case-by-case basis. Concerns about his safety have been raised, with his legal team arguing that this approach jeopardizes his well-being.

In response to inquiries, a Home Office spokesperson emphasized the UK government’s stringent security protocols and the policy of not disclosing specific security arrangements to protect individual safety and system integrity.