Prince Harry has faced another setback in his quest to reinstate his automatic police protection while he visits the UK.
The Duke of Sussex, 41, will need to wait as his security review is being delayed due to an unprecedented nine former Prime Ministers needing protection, The Times reported.
Harry was promised a new risk assessment last year, but officials are struggling to cope with demand, resulting in a temporary pause on management board reviews. As of June, he was still waiting.
All nine former living prime ministers are granted lifelong, round-the-clock security after leaving office, including Liz Truss, who held the position for only 49 days, and outgoing PM Sir Keir Starmer.
© Samir Hussein/WireImageA source with knowledge of the Risk Management Board process told HELLO!: "It is a rather incoherent argument from the Home Office to respond to a reported 'backlog' by temporarily pausing Risk Management Boards (RMBs). If there is a backlog because demand is high, the obvious response would be to allocate more resources to clear it - not to stop conducting them altogether."
They added: "The stakes could hardly be higher. These assessments exist to help keep people safe."
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, lost their right to automatic taxpayer-funded 24-hour security when they stepped down as working members of the royal family in 2020.
Prince Harry renews his security quest
Earlier this week, HELLO! revealed that Harry was planning to renew his security quest after feeling "buoyed" by the reunion between King Charles and his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
A source told us: "He will pursue it until RAVEC agree to enact the terms of reference that were made clear in front of a judge in the judicial review. It's about the Home Office doing what they committed to in court."
© Getty ImagesThat includes convening a Risk Management Board to assess threats against him. HELLO! understands Harry has not undergone one for seven years.
The Prince is next due to be in the UK for the WellChild awards in September, which he attends every year, and will also travel to Britain for the 2027 Invictus Games. It's not known if his family will travel with him.
He is required to give a month's notice before he visits the UK so the risk can be appropriately assessed for each visit. So far, he has been declined full police protection.
Meghan shares glimpse into her visit to the UK
It comes as Meghan shared a surprise glimpse into her "summer holiday" to Europe with her family.
© Instagram / @meghanIn one picture, Princess Lilibet was seen trailing behind Harry and her brother Prince Archie, as they walked through the grounds of Princess Diana's home, Althorp.
The family of four spent time at Diana's home and resting place during their visit to the UK in July, and also reunited with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Other snaps showed the Sussexes playing in the sea, in a swimming pool, and strolling along sunny cliffs.
