Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to stay at a royal residence during their visit to the UK next month, marking a shift in the Duke's stance amid ongoing frustrations over his personal security. The family will reportedly be accommodated at Buckingham Palace for the trip, which includes the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games in Birmingham.
Security Review Delays Fuel Frustration
A review into Harry's request for taxpayer-funded security has taken six months to complete, yet the Duke has still not been informed of its outcome. A source close to the Duke said: 'He has grown increasingly frustrated with the whole process and has had to alter his standpoint. From initially being told a decision would be made within a matter of weeks, it is now more than six months on.'
Harry, 41, had previously declined offers to stay at a royal residence during solo visits to the UK. However, the source added: 'He was determined to travel back to the UK with his family around the Invictus event, so he has finally made the decision to accept the offer of staying at a royal residence which he believes will be sufficient.'
Family to Reunite for Invictus Games Countdown
Harry will be accompanied by his wife Meghan and their children, Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five. The visit marks the first time the family have been in the UK together since 2022, when they attended Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee. Sources close to the Sussexes have disclosed that the Duchess has taken a 'considerable interest' in the Invictus Games and was 'determined' to make the visit to Birmingham.
Legal Battle Over Security Continues
Harry lost both a High Court battle and a subsequent Court of Appeal hearing to retain his police protection last year, before lodging an appeal with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. In a letter, Harry is believed to have asserted that threats to his safety persist, despite stepping back from royal duties in 2020. The Duke's access to police protection was withdrawn following his and Meghan's decision to step down as working royals and relocate to the United States.
Harry has previously stated that the country of his birth is 'not safe'. The upcoming visit underscores the ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and the British government over security arrangements.
