Prince Harry’s Year-End: Security Reviews, Family Moments, and Charitable Changes

Introduction: A Pivotal Period for the Duke of Sussex

Prince Harry remains a figure of global fascination as 2025 draws to a close. The Duke of Sussex has navigated a complex landscape of security concerns, family life in California, and significant changes to his charitable endeavours. These developments highlight his ongoing efforts to balance public duty with private family life whilst maintaining connections to his British heritage and royal roots.

UK Security Review Opens New Possibilities

Prince Harry wrote privately to the home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, requesting a full security risk assessment, with the Royal and VIP Executive Committee set to reassess his threat level for the first time since 2020. Sources suggest the new risk assessment could result in taxpayer-funded police protection being restored to the Sussexes, with explanations that Harry and his family plan to spend much more time in Britain than previously. This development has sparked speculation about potential reconciliation with the royal family and the possibility of Prince Archie attending school in the UK.

Christmas Celebrations and Family Life

While the royal family gathered at Sandringham for Christmas, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet spent the holiday at their home in Montecito. On December 19, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex released their Christmas card along with a huge Archewell update. The festive greeting featured intimate family photographs, offering rare glimpses into their California life and reflecting their continued commitment to maintaining privacy whilst sharing selective personal moments.

Archewell Restructuring and Future Direction

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Archewell Foundation is rebranding as Archewell Philanthropies, restructuring away from delivering programs and toward being a fiscal sponsor—a body that funds programs run by other charities which the couple want to support. A Sussex spokesperson confirmed that the move toward a philanthropic fiscal sponsor operating model means that some staff redundancies are inevitable, particularly with junior admin roles. This strategic pivot represents a significant evolution in how Harry and Meghan approach their charitable work.

Conclusion: Navigating Transition and Transformation

Prince Harry’s activities in late 2025 reveal a figure in transition, working to secure his family’s safety whilst restructuring charitable operations for greater efficiency. The potential for increased time in Britain, combined with his California-based family life, suggests 2026 may bring further developments in his relationship with the royal family. For observers and supporters alike, these changes signal Prince Harry’s determination to forge a path that honours both his heritage and his chosen future.