A new committee established by King Charles III is facing calls to formally invite the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for a visit to the United Kingdom. The request highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan's relationship with the Royal Family and their status within the institution.
The Call for Formal Invitation
Royal commentator Richard Eden publicly posed a direct question to the newly formed Privy Purse and Treasurer's Office Committee. He asked if the committee would consider officially signing and inviting the Sussexes for a period of time in Britain. This committee, which oversees the sovereign's private finances and estates, plays a key role in the logistical and financial aspects of royal engagements and residences.
The question underscores a significant procedural point. While family visits might be arranged privately, an official stay in the UK, particularly one involving the use of royal facilities or requiring security, would likely need formal approval and coordination through the relevant offices. The absence of such an invitation could be seen as a barrier to a smooth or extended visit.
Context of Strained Relations
This development comes against a backdrop of continued strain. Prince Harry's brief visit to the UK in February 2024, following his father's cancer diagnosis, was noted for its lack of a meeting with his brother, the Prince of Wales. Furthermore, the couple's financial independence and their decision to step back as senior working royals have created ambiguous lines regarding their entitlements and support from the royal household.
The issue of security remains a particularly sensitive and costly one. The couple lost their publicly funded UK police protection after stepping down, and Harry has subsequently pursued legal action to challenge this decision. Any official visit would inevitably raise questions about who bears the substantial cost of their security, a point of public and political scrutiny.
Potential Implications for the Future
The committee's response, or lack thereof, to such a request could set a precedent for future interactions. A formal invitation would signal a pathway towards a more structured, albeit possibly limited, relationship between the Sussexes and the royal institution during UK visits. It could facilitate clearer planning for events like the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games in London next year, an event deeply important to Harry.
Conversely, a refusal or silence could be interpreted as the institution maintaining a firm distance, reinforcing the separation established by the Sandringham summit in 2020. It places the onus on Harry and Meghan to make private arrangements for any stay, potentially limiting their ability to participate in family or ceremonial occasions that are inherently linked to the Crown's official functions.
Ultimately, the question put to the committee cuts to the heart of the Sussexes' current status: are they considered visiting family members, or do they retain some form of official capacity that necessitates institutional involvement? The answer will significantly influence the tone and practicality of their future presence in the UK.
