Prince Harry is employing 'emotional blackmail' in a bid to bring his children back to Britain, a royal author has suggested. The Duke of Sussex will travel to the UK next month to promote the 2027 Invictus Games, but concerns over security could mean he makes the journey without wife Meghan Markle or children, Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five.
Harry has repeatedly challenged decisions relating to his protection in the UK and argued that the current arrangements – an assessment of security provisions on a case-by-case basis – leaves his family vulnerable. While the matter is currently under a Home Office review, the prince could be hoping to get King Charles on side by 'emotionally blackmailing' him over seeing his grandchildren, royal commentator Tom Bower said.
He told the Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered podcast: 'I don't think the King is that desperate to meet Archie and Lili - that's what Harry would like to believe, but the King's got other concerns. As much as it's wonderful to be a grandfather, I can also tell you that if your son is causing you problems, you're not going to import even more problems. [And] Harry's presence in Britain is always a problem.'
'This is now Harry trying to play the last roll of the dice,' he added. 'It's emotional blackmail, but it's desperation – he's fighting it out on the airwaves.'
The duke memorably spoke to The Guardian days after meeting his father at Clarence House last September, telling the newspaper that his 'conscience is clear'.
A 'friend' of Harry's also told The Independent that he would 'like an invite to Sandringham' this summer but his acceptance would 'depend on who was there'. They added that he was unlikely to bring his two children back to Britain without an 'enhanced security package'.
In a statement submitted to the High Court in 2023, Harry described Britain 'his home' but insisted his children could not say the same 'if there is no possibility to keep them safe when they are on UK soil'.
Speaking to the BBC after losing an appeal against the Government's decision to water down his post-Megxit security, he said he was 'devastated' by the outcome and suggested it had affected his relationship with the King.
'He won't speak to me because of this security staff,' the duke said. He also told the broadcaster the dispute around the provision of taxpayer-funded security affects him 'every single day'.
While Harry has returned to the UK several times since stepping down as a working royal, including in February and May 2024 and January 2026, the Sussexes have not visited as a family since the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebrations in 2022.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been approached for comment.
