Jennie Bond: 'Prince Harry's done himself no favours over security - but I'm not sure he understands'

Jennie Bond: 'Prince Harry's done himself no favours over security - but I'm not sure he understands' EXCLUSIVE: Prince Harry is still waiting for an answer on whether he can have taxpayer-funded police protection - and Jennie Bond believes there’s a reason why many are opposed to it Prince Harry may not understand the public’s strong reaction to his quest for taxpayer-funded security while in the UK, according to a royal expert. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, returned to the UK last week to begin a new life after six years living in the US. The family is said to be settling in the UK for an “extended period” of time amid speculation as to how long they will stay and where they will live - with questions remaining over their security. Last year, he lost a legal battle against the Home Office over the security arrangements for him and his family while in the UK, after his level of protection changed when he stopped being a working royal - meaning police protection was not automatic. The issue has been brought to the fore yet again now the Sussexes are living in the UK, with many opinion polls showing that many don’t believe they should be entitled to protection paid for by the taxpayer. And royal expert Jennie Bond told the Mirror: “I suppose the problem is that the longer he and his family stay here with no taxpayer-funded security, the weaker his case may seem. And the public will take note of that. “However, things could change in an instant if Harry or his family were targeted. And there’s no denying that his risk level — given his high profile and military background — must be significant. “I’m not sure that Harry does understand the public antipathy to funding his security. Arriving in the UK in a plush private jet did not do his image any good. Yes, he needs security. Yes, he has offered to pay, but the Metropolitan Police cannot be ‘hired’. And yes, he feels he needs armed protection, which his private bodyguards cannot provide in the UK. “But if he can afford a jet - or friends who will lend him one - then I understand that many people will feel he can afford to pay for a pretty substantial level of private security, even if without guns. So he doesn’t do himself any favours.” Earlier this week it emerged that Harry accused the chair of the body which authorises protection for senior royals of not passing on information about a 2023 threat from al Qaida to his security staff or to the authorities in the United States. Harry, a former soldier who served in Afghanistan, wrote to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood this month asking her to take a personal role in determining if his family receive close police protection. In the letter, his legal team is understood to have alleged the head of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) was aware of a threat made by al Qaida, but did not pass this to his security staff or to the authorities in the United States, where he was living at the time. And Jennie added: “Having said that, I personally believe he does deserve a moderate level of taxpayer-funded security. Simply having a number to ring in an emergency does not seem sufficient. I also think there must be some way in which either he or the King could contribute to the public purse in place of some of the taxes which might go towards Harry’s security. It surely can’t be rocket science?” In the past, especially during Harry’s legal battle against the Home Office, he admitted security had become a sticking point between him and his father, the King, with whom he’s had a fractious relationship. Sources pointed out the King was unable to intervene in the case, despite suggestions that he could have helped out. Jennie said: “As long as Harry is not in open, legal dispute with the Government, I don’t see why the security issue should be a sticking point in his relationship with his father. I think he’s perfectly entitled to ask questions about it privately and hopefully he will soon get some answers. “In the meantime, the Sussexes seem to be keeping a very low profile — which bodes well for the future. Perhaps the dramas are over - for now at least - and everyone can simply get on with their lives. Might be wise not to hold your breath for too long, though!”