£12 million a year: The real cost of Harry and Meghan’s private security bill

£12 million a year: The real cost of Harry and Meghan’s private security bill

Author: The Telegraph September 18, 2026 Duration: 23:47

In today’s special edition of The Royal T, as both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are awaiting a review into their individual security status to determine whether they are entitled to receive taxpayer-funded security, Camilla Tominey and Victoria Ward speak to Paul Lewis -- a close protection expert who has run security operations for royal and high net-worth individuals for more than 20 years.

He explains the logistics and eye-watering cost of the security Prince Harry and Meghan would need as both private citizens and high-profile members of the Royal family.


Paul reveals why the Sussexes’ full security detail could cost up to £12m in the UK, why social media has exacerbated modern security risks and why private teams without armed authority struggle to counter these threats, compared to state-level intelligence resources.


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Producer: David Levene

Senior Producer: Emma Williams

Social Producer: Nada Aggour

Video Producer: Jim Spencer

Executive Producer: Charlotte Seligman

Editor: Camilla Tominey


Highlights:



  • Security expert Paul Lewis analyses the cost and logistics of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
  • Camilla, Victoria and Paul discuss the risks Harry and Meghan face in light of the crunch meeting reviewing their security status in the UK

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


For a sharp, unfiltered take on the stories shaping Britain and beyond, tune into The Daily T. This daily podcast from The Telegraph is driven by the candid chemistry and quick wit of Associate Editor Camilla Tominey and columnist Tim Stanley. They don’t just recap the headlines; they dive into the nuances, arguments, and often absurd realities behind the day’s most pressing topics in politics, culture, and society. The conversation is free-thinking and direct, cutting through the noise with a blend of analysis and humour that feels more like a compelling chat with well-informed friends than a formal news broadcast. Listeners will find themselves in the middle of intelligent debates on Westminster manoeuvres, cultural shifts, and global affairs. The podcast regularly features exclusive sit-downs with a wide array of influential voices, from political figures like Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch to other prominent names in the public eye, adding depth and varied perspective to the ongoing dialogue. It’s a reliable, engaging listen for anyone wanting to understand the ‘why’ behind the news, delivered with the distinctive edge and authority of The Telegraph’s editorial voice. Each episode promises to be both a briefing and a provocation, making The Daily T a standout in the daily news podcast landscape.
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