By Royal Exposé Insider | January 4, 2026** Higher than a kite – that’s Prince Harry in a nutshell. The Duke of Sussex, who dramatically boarded his so-called “freedom flight” in 2020 to escape the “cruel” and “oppressive” royal institution he spent years trashing in interviews, books, and documentaries, is now desperately clawing his way back for one priceless perk: full, taxpayer-funded armed police protection whenever he fancies a trip home. Insiders close to the Sussexes claim he’s all but won his latest battle, with automatic security “nailed on” after a fresh risk review – meaning British taxpayers could soon foot the bill for the very man who abandoned the country and mocked its monarchy.
After publicly accusing the Royal Family of racism, indifference, and outright cruelty – while raking in millions from tell-all projects like *Spare* and their Netflix docuseries – Harry is reportedly set to reclaim elite protection status. Sources say a stalker scare and new threats have tipped the scales, paving the way for him to bring Meghan and the kids over without a worry. But critics are furious: How can the prince who fled for “independence” now demand the UK pick up the tab for his security again?
### The “Freedom Flight” That Wasn’t So Free After All Remember Megxit? In 2020, Harry and Meghan announced they were stepping back as senior royals, citing unbearable media scrutiny and lack of support from “the firm.” They jetted off to Canada, then California, on what Harry later called their path to financial independence and freedom. In explosive Oprah interviews, *Spare*, and endless media appearances, Harry painted the monarchy as toxic – accusing his family of unconscious bias, ignoring Meghan’s mental health cries, and even suggesting they were trapped in a gilded cage.
Yet, fast-forward to 2026, and Harry’s priorities seem crystal clear: Get that taxpayer-funded security back. After losing court battles in 2025 to restore automatic police protection (downgraded when he quit royal duties), the duke wrote directly to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood in September, demanding a fresh risk assessment. Now, sources close to him boast it’s a “formality” – Ravec’s risk board has reportedly decided he meets the threshold for full armed guards on UK visits. “It’s nailed on,” one insider told outlets.
A stalker getting “within feet” of him during a September 2025 visit, plus ongoing threats, sealed the deal. Harry, who once bragged about breaking free, is now poised to enjoy 24-hour Metropolitan Police escorts – all on the British public’s dime. ### The Ultimate Hypocrisy: Trash the Institution, Then Demand Its Perks Critics are calling it peak entitlement. “He mocked the monarchy, accused it of cruelty, and fled on his freedom flight – only to crawl back demanding the very protections he forfeited,” one royal commentator fumed. Harry lost his appeal in May 2025, with judges ruling his “sense of grievance” wasn’t grounds to overturn the bespoke, case-by-case security setup.
He even offered to pay privately – and lost that bid too. But now? With a new review sparked by his own letter, insiders say reinstatement is imminent. This could open the floodgates for family visits, including Archie and Lilibet meeting Grandpa Charles more often. Royal expert Jennie Bond noted 2026 could be “very good” for Harry if security is restored – removing the “obstacle” to UK trips. Yet, where’s the independence? The Sussexes vowed to be “financially independent,” launching Archewell, Netflix deals, and Meghan’s lifestyle brand. Why not fund their own security for occasional visits? Taxpayers already shelled out hundreds of thousands for Harry’s legal fights – now this?
### From Rock Bottom Relations to Potential Thaw – At What Cost? Some whisper the review signals thawing ties with King Charles, strained over security rows and Harry’s bombshells. But others see pure opportunism. Harry has visited solo multiple times – for court, Invictus events – with ad-hoc protection. He claims it’s “impossible” to bring the family without full guards, citing risks from his Afghanistan service and high profile. A stalker incident in September 2025, where private security intervened, was cited as evidence. Al Qaeda threats and far-right risks reportedly factored in. Sources say the Risk Management Board reassessed threats for the first time since 2020 – and Harry passed. If approved (expected soon), he’ll get automatic armed police – the gold standard he lost by quitting. No more 28-day notices or case-by-case begs. Just fly in, protected by the institution he trashed.
### Public Backlash Brewing: “Let Him Pay Himself!” Social media is ablaze: “Higher than a kite on entitlement!” one viral post read. Polls show Brits divided – many resent funding a non-working royal living in a Montecito mansion. “He abandoned the country that paid for his privileged life – now wants us to protect his holidays?” another quipped. Even supporters admit the irony. Harry, ever the victim in his narrative, insists security is about safety, not privilege.
But after the “freedom flight” rhetoric, demanding taxpayer perks feels like having his royal cake and eating it too. As 2026 dawns, watch this space: Will Harry jet back triumphantly, guards in tow? Or will public outrage force another rethink? One thing’s clear – the prince who soared away for independence is circling back for the one thing money can’t always buy: British taxpayer protection. *Sources include Daily Mail, GB News, Express, Mirror, royal experts Jennie Bond and anonymous insiders.*
