Prince Harry has confirmed that his wife Meghan and their children Archie and Lilibet will not accompany him on his upcoming trip to London next week, following the rejection of his plea for police security while in the UK. The Duke of Sussex will travel solo to the British capital on Monday, ten days after the decision was handed down, citing safety concerns for his family.
Security Decision Sparks Family Separation
Harry had planned to be joined by the Duchess of Sussex and their children on a five-day visit to mark the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games in Birmingham. However, the duke's request for a review by the Risk Management Board (RMB), part of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec), has yet to take place, according to a source. The delay prompted Harry to decide that his family would not travel to the UK over safety fears.
Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, have not seen their grandfather, King Charles, since Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. The duke has been engaged in a protracted legal battle with the Home Office over security arrangements since his level of protection changed when he stepped down as a working royal in 2020.
Legal Battle and Family Rift
Last year, Harry lost a Court of Appeal challenge against the Home Office regarding his security status. In a subsequent BBC interview, he expressed hopes of reconciliation with his family but noted that King Charles would not speak to him because of the security court case. Harry stated: "I can’t see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK at this point and the things that they’re going to miss is, well, everything you know."
The duke, who stepped down from the working monarchy six years ago, has made a series of accusations against the King, Queen Camilla, the Prince of Wales, and the Princess of Wales in his Oprah interview, Netflix documentary, interviews, and autobiography Spare since relocating to California.
Upcoming Visit and Royal Residence
It remains unknown whether Harry will accept an invitation to stay at a royal residence during his London visit. The trip is intended to promote the Invictus Games, which will be held in Birmingham in 2025.
