Prince Harry's one 'big win' in battle to return to UK exposed over 'chess pieces' comment

Prince Harry's relentless battle for automatic police protection whilst in the UK appeared to have reached an impasse.

Nevertheless, it seems the Duke of Sussex has been thrown a lifeline in his campaign to restore automatic high-level taxpayer-funded security in Britain, which was withdrawn when he stepped down as a working Royal. Harry's fight to have his protection reinstated has allegedly placed considerable strain on his relationship with King Charles.

Sources suggest that the Home Office has now commissioned a threat assessment for the Duke of Sussex for the first time since 2020, according to Mirror UK.

The Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) is understood to have instructed its Risk Management Board to reassess his threat level, with a verdict expected next month.

In his earlier legal proceedings, Harry contended that his security circumstances in the UK rendered it "impossible" for him to safely bring his wife Meghan and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, back to his homeland.

Whilst this remains merely a review at present, Royal expert Jennie Bond considers it tremendously important for Harry. The former BBC Royal correspondent said: "I think this is a big win for Harry and the review is what he deserves."

Jennie elaborated: "He can't change the fact that he is the King's son. He is also a former army officer who has taken part in armed conflict in Afghanistan during two tours of duty."

The Royal expert continued: "He has, foolishly many would argue, admitted killing 25 Taliban. In his memoir, Spare, he wrote: 'When I was plunged into the heat and confusion of battle, I didn't think about those as 25 people.... They were chess pieces taken off the board, bad guys eliminated before they kill good guys.'"

"That admission must only have made the target already on his back even bigger. So I think he has legitimate concerns about his security - and the risk his family could face if he brings them to the U.K."

According to Jennie, if eight surviving Prime Ministers are entitled to a high level of security, then Harry has the right to question why he is not being granted the same treatment.

Harry's security battle has reportedly not only affected his ability to introduce his children to their heritage, it's also believed to have deepened his rift with his estranged father, the King.

In May, following his defeat at the Court of Appeal, Harry claimed in an interview that his father refused to speak with him because of his security dispute. Nevertheless, they have since shared tea at Clarence House during Harry's September visit to the UK.

It would make going home a lot easier Jennie elaborated on how the security dispute has strained Harry's familial ties: "Security worries lie at the very heart of Harry's estrangement from his family here. He has said that the dispute has always been the sticking point in any reconciliation with his father. He viewed the court's decision against him as 'an old-fashioned establishment stitch up.'"

She continued, "I think he is sincere when he talks about wanting his children to know and understand their heritage. And he has said publicly that he wants his father and his brother back in his life.

"That may still be some way off – particularly where William is concerned – but if he can at least feel he can bring his family here safely, there has to be some hope of reconciliation.

"I think the jury is still out as to whether Meghan would ever want to return to the U.K., but, for the sake of her children, she might come for a short visit. Time will tell."