Tensions between Prince Harry and the Palace have reportedly resurfaced, fueled by an ongoing disagreement concerning his police protection. After losing a legal battle to automatically reinstate his police protection during visits to the UK, the Home Office has initiated a comprehensive threat assessment for the first time since 2020, marking a significant shift in stance.

This assessment is being conducted by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec), with results expected to be released this month. Sources close to Prince Harry are said to be optimistic about the possibility of reinstating his protection, which could facilitate a visit to the UK with his wife Meghan, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Previously, insiders suggested that the reinstatement of Prince Harry’s police protection was virtually guaranteed. They implied that any decision against him might suggest interference from the Palace.

However, a former royal aide has dismissed these allegations as “unfounded and incorrect.” Speaking to The Times, the aide clarified, “The Palace does not possess such authority within Ravec. Although they are represented on the committee, their role does not include advising on threat assessments or optimal security measures.”

The aide further emphasized that such evaluations are the responsibility of intelligence and security specialists, who provide their expertise whenever the Duke’s visits to the UK are considered under the current Ravec protocols.

Meanwhile, government sources have reportedly told the publication that a risk assessment for Harry has not been completed. A source revealed: “I have no idea what the RMB recommendation to Ravec [the Royal and VIP executive committee] will be, but what I do know with certainty is that neither does anyone else, since they are still undertaking the review.”

This comes as it’s understood that Harry is not expected to meet his father, the King, when he returns to the UK this month for his trial against the publisher of the Daily Mail.

Harry is due to journey from California to London for the commencement of his High Court legal action against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL).

He was reunited with Charles for the first time in 19 months on his last visit in September, and the pair enjoyed afternoon tea at Clarence House, with the duke describing his father as “great.”

However, the monarch is anticipated to be in Scotland for his traditional post-Christmas stay when the trial is set to start on January 19, although the date and schedule have yet to be finalised.

The Telegraph reported that Royal sources acknowledged the King did not wish to be associated with any court proceedings, so will keep his distance from his son on this occasion.

In May, the duke gave an interview to the BBC in which he claimed the King would not speak to him because of his legal battle with the Home Office over security and he did not know “how much longer my father has” as he expressed his hopes for a “reconciliation”.

The conversation followed the duke’s unsuccessful challenge in the Court of Appeal regarding his security measures during his UK visits. A representative for Harry stated that they do not comment on security arrangements.