Could U.S. taxpayers be on the hook for Harry and Meghan's security?

"Royal experts said this week that could happen if Harry wins approval from the British Home Office to once again receive automatic, high-level protection when he visits the United Kingdom. Harry and Meghan lost that protection in 2020, when they decided to stop being working members of the royal family and move to the United States to launch careers in media, philanthropy and lifestyle branding. Since then, Harry and Meghan have had to find ways to pay for their own security."

"But that could change if the British government decides they merit protection. The couple could then be entitled to the status of internationally protected persons under international law, said Daily Mail columnist Richard Eden. This would put them in the same category as diplomats, visiting heads of state or other members of the British royal family, traveling to the United States on official business."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could become eligible for round-the-clock security in California provided by U.S. local, state or federal law enforcement and paid by U.S. taxpayers if Harry regains automatic, high-level protection from the British Home Office when visiting the United Kingdom. The couple lost that protection in 2020 after stepping back as working royals and relocating to the United States. Since 2020, they have paid for their own security. If the British government restores protection, international law could classify them as internationally protected persons, placing them in the same security category as diplomats and visiting heads of state.

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