The prospect of a Sussex family return to Britain has dramatically increased, with a royal expert suggesting the Duchess would have to perform a significant 'U-turn' if official security is reinstated.
The Security Stalemate
Prince Harry's stark declaration that it was 'impossible' to safely bring his wife and children to the UK following his High Court defeat on security funding last year appeared to slam the door on any imminent visit. The couple have not been on British soil together since Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022.
However, a new government review into the threat level surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is now underway, fuelling intense speculation that a trip could happen as early as this year. The core issue, according to Harry, is the absence of the round-the-clock armed protection and top-level intelligence access traditionally afforded to senior royals.
'No Excuse' to Stay Away
Royal author Duncan Larcombe told the Mirror that the security argument has effectively been Meghan's primary reason for avoiding the UK. 'The security issue has essentially been used as an excuse for Meghan not to come to the UK in the last few years,' he stated. 'But many people think the real reason is to do with the public reaction that she’d receive over here.'
Larcombe believes the dynamic would shift fundamentally if the review rules in Harry's favour. 'If the protection is put back in place... then there’s really no excuse for her to stay away,' he explained. 'She has to be considering doing a U-turn – she has no choice but to think about it given the new review.'
Such a return would force Meghan into confronting the British public and royal family members she has publicly criticised. 'I don’t think it’s in Meghan’s character to eat humble pie,' Larcombe added, 'and if she comes to the UK, humble pie is exactly what’s on the menu for her.'
Navigating a Royal Return
The logistics of any visit remain fraught with difficulty. Harry has seen his father, King Charles, only once in the past two years. Relations with Prince William are described as still containing 'bad blood', with the Prince of Wales reportedly 'furious' about his brother's treatment of him and the Princess of Wales.
'If they come to the UK, who do they see?' Larcombe pondered. 'Does he see his brother who won’t talk to him? Does he see his father who only gave him minutes of his time? It’s a really complicated, complex situation.'
Bookmakers are already taking bets on a potential Sussex family trip, with 2026 the current favourite year. The 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham presents another likely opportunity. Larcombe suggests the Games could provide a useful distraction, making a trip less daunting for Meghan and avoiding a 'PR disaster' if she stayed away while Harry attended with their children, Archie, six, and Lilibet, four.
The final decision rests on the outcome of the security review and the couple's willingness to face a deeply complex personal and public reckoning on British soil.
