> At a Glance
> – Prince Harry is expected to regain full-time U.K. police protection
> – Government committee reportedly found he meets VIP security criteria
> – King Charles and Queen Camilla attended church Jan. 4, 2026
> – Why it matters: Restored protection could allow Harry to bring Archie and Lilibet to Britain
King Charles and Queen Camilla marked their first public appearance of 2026 on Jan. 4, hours after a Sunday newspaper reported that Prince Harry is set to regain taxpayer-funded security in Britain.
The Church Appearance
The 77-year-old monarch and 78-year-old Queen arrived at St. Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate, greeting well-wishers lining the path. Their outing follows the Dec. 25 Christmas service that drew large crowds.
Security Review Breakthrough
The Mail on Sunday reported on Jan. 3 that a Home Office committee concluded Harry meets the threshold for armed protection during U.K. visits.
- Harry, 41, has campaigned for the status since 2020
- He lost state-funded security after stepping back from royal duties
- A February 2024 court challenge failed; an appeal was dismissed in May 2025
- A fresh full-scale review was granted in December 2025
Officials stressed that announcing the decision is “now a formality.”
What the Change Means
If formally approved within the next few weeks, the move could:
- Provide Harry with police protection comparable to working royals
- Give him access to real-time intelligence
- Allow him and Meghan Markle to consider bringing Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, to the U.K.
Harry has repeatedly said he “does not feel safe” bringing his family without that level of security; a female stalker twice came close to him during a September 2025 charity trip.
Statements
A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex declined comment, citing a policy of not discussing security.
A government spokesperson said:
> “The U.K. Government’s protective security system is rigorous and proportionate. It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals’ security.”
Insiders tell News Of Los Angeles that “positive” signals are emerging from Whitehall, suggesting an official upgrade is likely.
Key Takeaways
- A new committee review found Harry meets the criteria for armed, full-time U.K. protection
- The decision could be publicly confirmed within weeks
- Restored security may enable future visits by the Sussex children
- Government agencies declined to comment, citing security protocols
The development marks a potential turning point in the Duke of Sussex’s efforts to secure his family during British stays.
