Andy Burnham has shrugged off queries about how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be protected once they return to the UK.
Harry and Meghan moved to the US in 2020 after choosing to step down from their royal duties but will be relocating to a non-royal residence outside of London later this month.
The Duke of Sussex, who is fifth in line to the British throne, lost a legal challenge over how much state-funded security he and his family are entitled to while in Britain last year.
His trip to the UK last month was even put on hold briefly after his request for policy protection was rejected.
The revelation that he is now bringing his wife and two children back to the UK has therefore come as a shock.
When asked how the non-working royals will be protected while in Britain, the prime minister said their security a “private matter”.
“Well, this is a private matter,” he told reporters while on a visit to West Yorkshire. “It’s a matter for for Harry and for Megan, and we wish them well in the moves that they’re making.”
Education secretary Lucy Powell also told LBC: “I think that the vast majority of your listeners will welcome that news and – they obviously are not working royals anymore – and want to come back to this country.
“I assume because we do have great schools, great education, that’s why many people do return to this country and choose this country to bring up their children in.
“And I hope that this is all part of a bigger reconciliation for the family because you know the royal family is very important to this country and to our reputation around the world, and you know I for one think it’s great to have Harry and Meghan and their family back here.”
Harry and Meghan’s children, seven-year-old Prince Archie and five-year-old Princess Lilibet, are in the line of succession behind their father.
They have been enrolled in a British school from September onwards, suggesting the Sussexes intend to be back in the UK for the long-haul.
Harry and his family went to visit his father King Charles in July in Highgrove, though it’s thought their move back to Britain was not discussed.
The monarch was reportedly only told about their decision to relocate on Sunday, though he is said to welcome the idea of seeing his family more in a personal capacity.
Harry and Meghan are expected to continue living as private individuals.
Source: Read the original article on www.huffingtonpost.co.uk
