Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could face a 'nightmare scenario' during their upcoming visit to the UK, a royal expert has warned. The Duke of Sussex is scheduled to travel to Birmingham in July for a series of events promoting the 2027 Invictus Games, with reports suggesting that Meghan and possibly their children, Archie and Lilibet, may accompany him.
Bin Strike Threatens Homecoming
While Harry is reportedly keen to help Meghan 'reconnect' with the UK after years abroad, the ongoing bin strike in Birmingham threatens to undermine the visit's success. Commentator Rob Shuter said that sources have told him the situation could create an 'embarrassing' backdrop for Meghan's return to Britain.
'This is a nightmare scenario for Harry,' one insider said. 'He wants Meghan to reconnect with the UK, not arrive to headlines about garbage, bad smells and a city under pressure.'
The council and union dispute has seen rubbish pile up in the streets of Birmingham for nearly a year. 'The trash has become a symbol of everything people are angry about [in Birmingham],' the insider added. 'Residents are fed up, businesses are complaining and visitors can't help but notice.'
Concerns Over Invictus Games Message
Mr Shuter also said that Invictus Games organisers are worried that the strike could overshadow the mission behind the event and Harry's involvement. 'Everyone wants the story to be about the athletes and Harry's mission,' a source said. 'The fear is that one photo of overflowing bins could overshadow months of preparation.'
Security Concerns Remain
The Duke of Sussex has previously spoken publicly about his reluctance to bring Meghan and their children to Britain over security concerns. He lost police protection when he and Meghan stepped back as senior working royals in 2020 and moved to the US. Harry lost a court battle to have his security reinstated last year, although the Home Office is reviewing whether he should automatically receive police protection when visiting the UK.
While Archie was born in Britain, Lilibet, who was born in the US, has only visited once—when the family travelled to London for the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022.
Harry is due to visit Birmingham to kick off a 12-month countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games between July 10 and 17.
