Boris Johnson Urges Prince Harry and Meghan to Return to Britain Amid Security Dispute

 Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister best known for leading Britain through the 2016 Brexit campaign, has opened up about his regrets surrounding the so-called “Megxit” in 2020.

In a candid piece for the Daily Mail, Johnson admitted he was unable to persuade Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to remain full-time working royals in the UK.

Despite Johnson’s appeals—telling Harry, “I honestly think it’s a pity.

I think there is so much good you can do here, so many good causes.

Why not stick around?”—the Duke and Duchess of Sussex left Britain to build their life in North America, taking their children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, with them.

Security Concerns Block Their Return

One major hurdle for Harry and Meghan’s return to Britain is security.

Since stepping back from royal duties, they lost their automatic right to taxpayer-funded armed police protection.

Last year, Harry’s legal attempt to restore it failed, with the Home Office rejecting his claim.

A follow-up request for a full risk assessment was granted in December 2025, but the committee responsible for security provisions faced resistance in January.

Officials from the Home Office, Cabinet Office, and Foreign Office reportedly oppose granting the Sussexes protection due to potential public backlash.

Sources suggest this stance reflects a widespread unease with footing the bill for a California-based couple whose exit from royal life was controversial.

Establishment Divisions and Project Thaw

There’s a growing “Establishment plot” known as Project Thaw, aiming to facilitate Harry and Meghan’s return to the UK.

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It involves senior politicians and certain Buckingham Palace insiders.

However, opposition from civil servants—often criticized as bureaucratic roadblocks—is actually helping maintain public sentiment against taxpayer-funded support for the couple.

Harry has expressed frustration at the slow pace of progress.

Close friend Alex Rayner, who accompanied Harry on a North Pole charity trek in 2011, remarked:

“Harry is a royal who’s significantly served in the Armed Forces.

To ask him to pay for it [security] privately feels a tiny bit spiteful, given that there are other members of the Royal Family who receive it who do far less.”

Controversial Choices Since Leaving Britain

Critics argue that what is truly “spiteful” is the behavior of Harry and Meghan since leaving the UK. Highlights include:

• The Oprah Winfrey interview aired while Prince Philip was seriously ill, causing deep family hurt.
• The Netflix series Harry & Meghan featured gestures, such as Meghan’s elaborate curtsy, seen by some as mocking the Queen in her final months.

Their removal of automatic armed police protection is, therefore, widely considered a fair consequence of stepping away from royal duties.

Steps Needed to Restore Public Support

Experts and commentators suggest the Sussexes could regain goodwill by taking two concrete steps:

1. Issue sincere apologies, both publicly and privately, for statements that caused offense or hurt family members, including Prince William and Catherine.
2. Shift focus from commercial endeavors to public service, demonstrating commitment to the causes that originally inspired royal life.

Impact and Consequences

The Sussexes’ choices continue to reverberate across British public life and the monarchy.

Key consequences include:

• Strained relationships within the Royal Family and with the British public
• Political and bureaucratic tensions around taxpayer-funded security
• Ongoing media scrutiny of the couple’s actions abroad

The situation has sparked debate over what obligations former royals owe to the UK and whether private wealth can replace public protection when duties are relinquished.

What’s Next

The coming months could see further negotiation between the couple, the Palace, and government officials regarding security arrangements and potential visits.

Public sentiment and political considerations will heavily influence whether Harry and Meghan can resume even partial royal engagements in the UK.

Summary

Boris Johnson reflects on his inability to prevent Megxit and urges Harry and Meghan to return with dignity.

Yet the couple’s departure, controversial media appearances, and the loss of automatic security protections have left a complex legacy.

Public opinion, coupled with bureaucratic caution, continues to shape the terms of any potential return to Britain.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Boris Johnson regrets failing to persuade Harry and Meghan to stay in the UK
• Automatic armed police protection for the couple remains blocked by civil servants
• Project Thaw aims to facilitate their return, but faces political resistance
• Critics cite controversial media appearances as justification for withheld protection
• Public apologies and a focus on public service could improve relations
• Debate continues over the responsibilities of former royals and taxpayer obligations