Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's imminent trip to the UK is 'already a disaster no matter what happens,' according to royal commentator and journalist Bronte Coy. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly planning to travel to Britain with their children this month for the first time in four years, but the trip has been overshadowed by security concerns and confusion over accommodation.
Royal Expert Calls Trip a 'Circus'
Speaking on The Sun's Royal Exclusive podcast, Coy said: 'Circus is the perfect word for it ... It is staggering to me that when there has clearly been this reputational rehab pushed in Britain, and everything was laid out a couple weeks ago ... this has come apart too quickly and in such a catastrophic way.' She added: 'No matter what happens now, and I still believe they are coming over ... it is a disaster. Harry has played so clearly into the hands of his biggest critics. All they are ever accused of is emotional blackmail, having a circus around them [and] that everything has to be very dramatic, that it's a soap opera ... whether you believe that or not, that is exactly what it looks like.'
Security Review Delays Cause Uncertainty
Harry had planned to be joined by Meghan, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet on a five-day trip to mark the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games in Birmingham. However, the duke began rethinking the move last week after learning that a review of his family's UK-based security by the Risk Management Board (RMB) had yet to take place. A spokesperson for the Sussexes said: 'The duke continues to explore every available option to enable the visit to proceed safely and to give his children the opportunity to enjoy the UK.'
Details of the Planned Visit
Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, are not expected to attend any public events, but Meghan is scheduled to join her husband on visits to the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London and an Invictus event at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. The trip could also reunite King Charles with his youngest grandchildren for the first time in four years, as the prince and princess last visited Britain during Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. Charles has reportedly offered the family accommodation at a royal residence, although the Royal Household has yet to receive confirmation of acceptance.
Security Concerns Remain Central
Harry's spokesperson added: 'Prince Harry’s programme in the United Kingdom includes both public and private engagements across the country. Safe accommodation is only one element of an effective protective security plan because risk follows the person, not the place. The issue has never been accommodation. The issue is whether appropriate and proportionate protective security is being provided throughout the entirety of the visit. The independent Risk Management Board that Ravec itself decided was necessary last November has still not taken place. It is therefore difficult to understand how the proportionality of the current arrangements can credibly be maintained without that independent assessment.'
