Prince Harry is reportedly reconsidering bringing Meghan Markle and their children to the UK for a visit after their request for police protection was denied. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had planned to visit the UK next month to attend events related to the 2027 Invictus Games, with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet joining them for their first UK trip together in four years.
Despite submitting a formal request for taxpayer-funded security, Prince Harry’s team was informed that the request had been turned down. The family was scheduled to travel in early July and stay for a week, marking Lilibet’s first visit to the UK. Reports suggest that Harry, who had previously expressed concerns about safety in the UK for his family, had accepted an offer to stay at a royal residence, likely Buckingham Palace, this time around.
In a change from his previous stance on staying in royal residences during UK trips, Prince Harry’s plans to bring Meghan and the children now seem uncertain. His access to police protection was revoked in 2022 when he and Meghan stepped back from royal duties. The delay in reviewing his security request had reportedly left Harry frustrated, especially as the rejection came just days before their planned departure.
A source close to the Duke mentioned his frustration with the prolonged decision-making process and his ultimate acceptance of staying at a royal residence for the upcoming trip. The Times reported that Harry’s main concern was allowing his children to see their grandfather during the visit, but he is now reevaluating the safety aspect of the trip.
Regarding the security arrangements, a government spokesperson emphasized the UK’s rigorous and proportionate protective security system, declining to provide further details to safeguard the integrity of the arrangements and individuals’ security. The decisions regarding security matters are handled by Ravec on behalf of the government, with no direct involvement from the Home Secretary in individual decisions.
The couple had reportedly planned various family outings during the visit, including a potential visit to Diana’s grave at Althorp House.