A potential reinstatement of police protection for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could force a significant change of plans for Meghan Markle, with a royal expert suggesting she will have "no excuse" not to return to the UK.
The Security Barrier and a Potential U-Turn
Prince Harry previously stated it was "impossible" to safely bring his wife and children, Archie and Lilibet, to Britain following his legal defeat over security arrangements last year. This declaration appeared to quash any imminent hopes of a family visit. However, a new government review into the threat level facing the couple is now underway, sparking fresh speculation about a possible trip as early as 2026.
Royal author Duncan Larcombe told the Mirror that the security issue has, in his view, been used as a convenient reason for Meghan's absence. "The security issue has essentially been used as an excuse for Meghan not to come to the UK in the last few years," he claimed. "But many people think the real reason is to do with the public reaction that she’d receive over here."
Navigating Family Tensions and Public Scrutiny
Larcombe argues that if official protection is restored, Meghan's hand will be forced. "If the protection is put back in place for Harry and Meghan when they’re on UK soil, then there’s really no excuse for her to stay away," he said, suggesting she must consider a "U-turn." Such a move would, however, bring its own challenges, forcing her to confront both the British public and royal family members she has criticised.
The dynamics within the family remain fraught. Harry has seen his father, King Charles, only once in the past two years. According to Larcombe, Prince William is still "furious" about his brother's actions, and "bad blood" persists. This raises complex questions about who the couple would see during any visit.
The Invictus Games Factor and Betting Odds
Bookmakers are already taking bets on a potential Sussex family trip, with 2026 the current favourite year. The 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham present another likely opportunity. Larcombe suggests the event could provide a useful distraction, making a trip less daunting for Meghan. He also posits that her staying away while Harry attended with their children could become a "PR disaster."
"Meghan is not stupid, she knows that staying away would do her no favours," Larcombe stated, adding it could raise questions about the couple's unity. The last time the couple were together in the UK was for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022.
Ultimately, the decision hinges on the security review's outcome. Harry has been unequivocal, citing the lack of official, state-funded protection as the primary barrier. After last year's court loss, he said he couldn't "see a world" in which he would bring his family back. The government's new assessment may now be the key that unlocks the door to a highly scrutinised royal return.
