(Image: Alex Brandon)
During his Bradford visit, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has refused to be drawn on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's future security arrangements, describing the issue as "a private matter" following the couple's surprise announcement that they are moving back to the UK.
Speaking during a visit to the district yesterday, Mr Burnham was asked whether taxpayers would fund security for Prince Harry and Meghan when they relocate from the United States later this month.
He replied: "Well, this is a private matter. "It’s a matter for Harry and for Meghan, and we wish them well in the moves that they’re making."
The comments came after the Sussexes announced plans to leave California and return to Britain more than six years after stepping back from royal duties during the "Megxit" crisis.
Surprise move back to Britain
The decision has sparked widespread speculation about where the couple will settle, with reports suggesting they are considering a non-royal residence outside London.
Prince Harry and Meghan are understood to be keeping their homes in Montecito, California, and Portugal, while their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have reportedly been enrolled in British schools ahead of the new academic year.
The announcement is said to have surprised many royal observers, with reports suggesting even King Charles was only informed days before the news became public.
Ongoing security dispute
Harry has been involved in a lengthy dispute with the Home Office over his security arrangements in the UK after losing automatic publicly funded police protection when he stepped down as a working royal in 2020.
Any decisions regarding security for members of the Royal Family and other public figures are made by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec), which includes representatives from the Home Office, Metropolitan Police and the Royal Household.
The duke has previously argued that security concerns have affected his ability to visit the UK with his family.
Experts question impact of move
The announcement has prompted mixed reactions from royal commentators and public relations experts.
PR and crisis communications expert Mark Borkowski said the move could present challenges for the Sussexes if it reignites tensions that emerged following their departure from royal life.
"If we're going to see the typical Harry and Meghan three-ring circus, then we know what happens when that is played out. "That leads to massive disruption," he told the PA news agency.
He suggested the couple would need to take a different approach if they wanted to avoid repeating previous controversies.
Concerns over royal relations
The move has also renewed discussion about Prince Harry's relationship with the Royal Family, particularly with his brother, the Prince of Wales.
Relations between the brothers have remained strained since Harry and Meghan's departure from royal duties and the publication of Harry's memoir Spare, which included a number of allegations about members of the Royal Family.
Former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt said the development could reopen divisions within the monarchy.
He said: "The surprise return of Harry and Meghan is likely to have left William apoplectic,"
However, reports suggest the King is pleased at the prospect of spending more time with his son and grandchildren, while remaining firm that Harry and Meghan will not return to roles as working royals.
Public reaction remains uncertain
The Sussexes may also face a challenge in winning over sections of the British public after years of criticism and declining popularity in opinion polls.
Former royal correspondent Jennie Bond suggested the move could be motivated by what Harry and Meghan believe is best for their children.
"This is the decision they've made probably for the sake of their children, as much as for Harry," she told Sky News.
"Perhaps Meghan is taking one for the team here, because I'm not sure this is her life's desire to live back in the UK."
While the long-term implications of the move remain unclear, Mr Burnham made clear he would not be commenting further on the couple's personal arrangements, saying only that he wished them well as they prepare for their return to Britain.