The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have returned to the United Kingdom after living in California for six years. They have settled in the Cotswolds with their two children, preparing for the upcoming school term. The family now resides in a private home, and their children are expected to attend a British preparatory school this month. The couple has expressed concerns about the security risks associated with the daily school commute, citing the vulnerability of fixed drop-off points to paparazzi, social media tracking, and possible lone-wolf attacks. Scott Hamer, a former Metropolitan Police protection officer, supported these concerns, noting that while security teams can vary travel routes, the routine nature of a school run presents serious challenges for safety. Prince Harry is waiting for an update from the Home Secretary about a July risk assessment that will determine whether his family will receive state-funded police protection during their six-month stay in the UK. A 40-page report from Prince Harry’s private security firm highlighted an increased risk level in the UK, noting that five out of six previous homegrown terror plots against him originated in the country. The Sussexes are still awaiting a response from the Home Office regarding whether they will receive taxpayer-funded police protection. This is a controversial topic in the UK, where private security is legally prevented from carrying firearms. The debate over security has intensified following the couple’s 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry’s 2023 memoir Spare, in which he detailed aspects of his military service, raising concerns about his personal safety. Prince Harry had previously fought a legal battle against the Home Office after its 2020 decision to remove his automatic police bodyguards, a case he lost in court. However, in July, the Duke was informed that a long-delayed fresh risk assessment had been conducted, though he has not yet received its findings. According to sources, he has sent multiple letters to the Home Secretary and the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) requesting updates. The Sussexes have faced serious security threats in the past, including an incident in May 2023 when security personnel in Montecito intercepted an armed intruder near their home. A 40-page report from Prince Harry’s private security firm noted an "elevated risk" for the family in the UK, with five out of six previous terror plots targeting the Duke originating from the UK. The Duke reportedly informed the Home Secretary in mid-August that his family would remain in the UK for at least six months. The Home Office has stated that Ravec does not automatically provide protection to non-working royals, instead creating tailored security plans based on individual circumstances and risk assessments.