Prince Harry 'privately pleads' with Home Secretary over security amid UK return for his family

Prince Harry has reportedly approached the Home Secretary to find out whether his family will receive security in Britain, which could cost the taxpayer more than £5 million a year.

Harry and his wife Meghan made worldwide headlines this week when they announced their family was moving back to the UK , six years after they departed royal duties and set up a home in the US.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have secured their own non-royal accommodation outside of London and they have also chosen schools for their two young children - Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five.

Now, Prince Harry is understood to have "privately pleaded" with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood for a final decision over his family’s security funding, according to the Daily Mail.

The prince's UK security arrangements were previously assessed by MPs on the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) at the end of July, following a review by its risk management board (RMB).

While the board determined Harry was ineligible for state-funded security, members were reportedly unaware he was considering a permanent move back to the UK when it reached its decision.

It was estimated that it could cost taxpayers £5million for armed police protection for the family when they were in Britain.

This could skyrocket if the Home Office agrees to fund Prince Harry’s security if he and his family remain in the UK fulltime.

Elsewhere, senior royals are understood to have held a 'Sussex Summit' at Balmoral Castle following Wednesday's news that the couple planned to uproot from their current home in Montecito in California.

It is understood that round-the-clock armed police protection for Sussexes could exceed £5 million following their return to the UK.

'Business as usual' at Royals' Balmoral get-together ahead of Prince Harry return

Despite the comeback, there will be no change to Harry and Meghan ’s role and status as private individuals and non-working members of the royal family .

The King , who is still living with cancer , was first made aware of the move on Sunday, just three days before it was made public.

He is understood to welcome the opportunity to see more of the family, both in a private and personal capacity.