Prince Harry is just days away from travelling to the UK for the official one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham. However, his security arrangements remain unresolved, casting doubt on whether his wife Meghan Markle and their children Archie and Lilibet will join him.
Security request reportedly denied
As standard practice when returning to the UK, Harry submitted a formal request for police protection during his visit, which is largely taxpayer-funded. Reports now indicate that this request has been denied, leading to speculation that Meghan and the children may not accompany him as initially planned.
Royal editor Russell Myers of the Mirror said on Loose Women that Harry may have 'jumped the gun' by announcing the family trip before his security was confirmed. 'He thought he was going to be afforded this protection which he so craves, and yet what has happened is he put out a statement saying the whole family was coming to the UK, and then had to row back on it,' Myers said.
Pending Home Office review
Harry has been awaiting a review by the Risk Management Board (RMB), part of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) process. On Friday, he learned the review has not yet taken place. Myers added that an argument can be made for Harry to receive police protection, noting: 'Harry is the son of the King, a former British soldier, and there have been threats against him and his family.'
A spokesperson for Harry stated the duke is 'exploring every option available to enable the visit to proceed safely' and questioned how the 'proportionality of the current arrangements can credibly be maintained without that independent assessment.'
Family turmoil
A source close to the Sussexes described Harry as 'devastated and in absolute turmoil' over the decision, frustrated by the Home Office's delay. The source said: 'He has blamed dark forces for stopping his family coming to the UK and arranging to see the King. Everything is very much up in the air.'
Harry has been without automatic police protection in the UK since he and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and moved to the US. Ravec then decided he should receive a different level of taxpayer-funded protection. Since then, Harry has fought to reinstate his security, arguing it is 'not safe' to bring his family to the UK without adequate protection. In May 2025, he told the BBC: 'I can't see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the UK at this point.'
A spokesman for the duke reiterated: '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.'
