Prince Harry is reconsidering plans to bring his wife Meghan and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, to the UK next month after his request for police protection was rejected, a decision that could devastate the Royal Family.
Visit Plans Thrown into Doubt
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were due to make their first family visit to the UK in four years, timed to mark the start of the year-long countdown to the Invictus Games for injured military personnel, set to be held in Birmingham in July 2027. On Friday, after announcing details of the visit, Harry's team was informed that no police protection would be provided for the family.
A government spokesman stated that the protective security system is "rigorous and proportionate" and added: "It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals' security."
Royal Estate Offer Accepted
Harry and Meghan's team reportedly told outlets that the couple had already accepted an offer to stay on a royal estate during the trip as a guest of King Charles, although the specific location has not been made public.
TalkTV's Breakfast presenter Mark Dolan addressed claims that Harry is deeply upset by the decision and is now weighing up whether the visit can go ahead safely. The setback could be another blow to the duke, who has been vocal about reconciling with his father, King Charles.
Expert Reactions
Royal correspondent Rupert Bell discussed the Sussexes' reaction, suggesting it is devastating for the Royal Family. He speculated: "Well, I assume Meghan's had a hissy fit because she hasn't got what she wanted." He accused the Sussexes of trying to force the royals' hand, adding: "It almost feels like they're trying to blackmail the Royal Family at all times to get what they want."
Bell explained that the protection that would be in place is "perfectly acceptable" for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and questioned: "Why does he think we're going to leave him exposed?"
Official Statement from Prince Harry
In a statement released on Monday, a spokesman for the Duke of Sussex said: "Prince Harry’s programme in the United Kingdom includes both public and private engagements across the country. Safe accommodation is only one element of an effective protective security plan because risk follows the person, not the place."
The spokesman added that the issue has never been about accommodation, but rather whether appropriate and proportionate protective security is provided throughout the entirety of the visit. They noted: "The independent Risk Management Board that RAVEC itself decided was necessary last November has still not taken place. It is therefore difficult to understand how the proportionality of the current arrangements can credibly be maintained without that independent assessment."
The statement concluded: "The Duke continues to explore every available option to enable the visit to proceed safely and to give his children the opportunity to enjoy the UK."
Impact on Royal Family
Meghan was planning to join her husband on a number of public engagements in London and the Midlands. The decision to potentially cancel the visit is seen as a significant blow to King Charles, who had hoped to see his grandchildren and mend relations with his son.
