Prince Harry is reportedly planning to bring Meghan Markle, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet to the United Kingdom within weeks, but one royal family member will not be on his meeting list, according to US media reports.
Invictus Games Countdown Visit
Sources told Page Six that Harry hopes to have his family accompany him during his visit in July to promote the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games, scheduled to take place in Birmingham next year. The Duke of Sussex, 41, is particularly eager for his children to meet their grandfather, King Charles. However, the same publication reports that there is no chance of a meeting between Harry and his brother, Prince William.
Security Concerns and Legal Battles
Harry has publicly expressed reluctance to bring his wife and children to the UK due to security concerns. After stepping back as senior working royals in 2020 and moving to the United States, Harry and Meghan lost their police protection. The prince lost a court battle last year to have his security reinstated, though the Home Office is reportedly reviewing whether he should automatically receive protection when visiting the UK.
In an interview with the BBC in May last year, Harry said he felt devastated by the loss of his appeal and could not envision bringing his family back to Britain under the current circumstances. Sources told Page Six that Harry and his legal team have not received an update from the Home Office regarding the review.
Rare Visits by Archie and Lilibet
Prince Archie, seven, was born in the UK, but both he and Princess Lilibet, five, have rarely visited the country. Lilibet has been to Britain only once, when the family attended the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022. Archie was also present at that event.
Strained Relationship with William
The last time Harry and William met was in September 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Their once-close bond has become strained in recent years, reportedly due to allegations made in Harry and Meghan's book, Spare, which included claims against William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. Meghan also told Oprah Winfrey that she experienced racism within the royal family, including questions about Archie's skin colour before his birth. William has denied these claims, stating that the Windsors are not a racist family.
Upcoming Events
Harry is scheduled to attend events from July 10 to 17 to kick off the 12-month countdown to the Birmingham Invictus Games. While he hopes his family will join him, sources say no firm plans have been made.
