Prince Harry has been criticised by a royal expert for making a 'mess' of his upcoming UK trip before it has even begun. The Duke of Sussex, 41, is due to return to Britain this week, but the visit has been overshadowed by a series of logistical and familial complications.
Plans Fall Apart: No Royal Residence, No Family in London
Originally, it was believed that Harry's wife Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, would accompany him. However, it now appears they will not be part of the London leg of the trip. Furthermore, an offer for Harry to stay in a royal residence has been withdrawn after he reportedly accepted the invitation too late.
According to royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, speaking exclusively to the Daily Express, the situation has become a 'public relations mess'. He said: 'What should have been a serious attempt at reconciliation of the bitter rift in the Royal Family, which has played out in public, has become something of a farce.'
King Charles 'Disappointed' Over Missing Grandchildren
Fitzwilliams added that King Charles is likely to be 'disappointed' that he will not see his grandchildren, who he was originally set to reunite with for the first time since 2022. 'I think the King will be disappointed not to see his grandchildren if they don’t come to London,' the expert said.
However, Fitzwilliams also suggested that the King may be relieved to avoid further drama. 'He will probably be relieved to see the back of their erratic parents, as undoubtedly will the Palace,' he noted.
Security Concerns Blamed for Change of Plans
The change in plans is believed to stem from security issues. Harry has consistently indicated that armed police protection would be necessary for his family to visit the UK. It was confirmed that he would not receive such protection on this trip, leading to the decision that Meghan and the children would not join him in London. It remains unclear whether they will meet him elsewhere in the UK later.
Fitzwilliams criticised the approach taken by Harry and Meghan, stating: 'Harry and Meghan should have made a serious attempt to reconcile the rift by visiting without publicity. The One Year to Go visit, which obviously was public knowledge, could have been totally separate. It’s a public relations mess and it hasn’t even begun.'
