The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, is reportedly considering a significant return to British soil this summer for the first time in nearly four years. Her potential visit, however, is said to be entirely contingent upon the approval of official security arrangements for herself and her husband, Prince Harry.
Security as the Deciding Factor
The 44-year-old Duchess is expected to join Prince Harry at an Invictus Games event in Birmingham this July. The trip hinges on ongoing discussions regarding taxpayer-funded protection for the couple during their stay in the United Kingdom. This proposed visit coincides with Prince Harry awaiting the outcome of a review by Ravec, a committee of police, royal, and government experts, into his security provision.
Sources indicate that Meghan is keen to attend a one-year countdown celebration for the Invictus Games on July 10, ahead of the main 2027 event in Birmingham. Having previously joined similar ceremonies in Canada and Germany, her attendance in the UK is seen as a logical step, but one mired in safety concerns. The Duke of Sussex has consistently stated he does not feel it is safe to bring his family to Britain without adequate protection.
A Long-Running Security Battle
Prince Harry lost his automatic right to armed police protection when he stepped back as a working royal in 2020. His subsequent legal challenge against this decision was unsuccessful last May. Insiders suggest plans for Meghan's trip to the Midlands are well advanced, but will only proceed if the current security review concludes favourably. A decision is anticipated later this month.
This would mark Meghan's first trip back to Britain since September 2022, when she attended the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Their children, Archie, six, and Lilibet, four, have not been in the UK since the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022. It remains unclear if they would accompany their parents this time.
The Invictus Games Connection
The sporting event, founded by Prince Harry to support wounded and injured service personnel and veterans, is a central cause for the couple. The Invictus Games Foundation is preparing a series of promotional events in Birmingham this summer. Meghan has been a regular presence at such functions, including events in Vancouver, Whistler, and Düsseldorf.
Separately, it is understood that Prince Harry, 41, hopes his father, King Charles, will officially open the Birmingham Invictus Games in July 2027, although formal invitations have not yet been extended. The Duke recently spoke to People magazine about the profound impact of the Invictus Games on participants' lives.
With the security review underway, all eyes are on the government's decision, which will ultimately determine whether the Sussexes make their high-profile return to the UK this summer.
