Prince Harry is expected to return to Britain this month, but his actions suggest contempt for King Charles, according to an opinion piece by Eleanor Burleigh. The Duke of Sussex could bring his wife Meghan Markle and their children, Archie, seven, and Lilibet, four, to the UK for the first time in four years—or not, depending on conflicting reports.
Security Concerns and Media Briefings
Harry has repeatedly cited security concerns as a major reason for keeping his children from seeing their grandfather. However, the constant back-and-forth on whether he will bring them for the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games has publicised the trip, contradicting his stated desire to protect his family. The Duke has admitted that his public spat with the Home Office over security arrangements has damaged his relationship with his father.
The Sussex camp's onslaught of media briefings—alternating between Harry bringing his family to the UK and then not—is sure to have injured the monarch further. Worse is the hypocrisy that Harry's UK-based relatives are likely to feel, given his complaints about media intrusion while courting attention over the last six years, including making incendiary claims about Charles, Camilla, William, and Kate.
Hypocrisy and Public Profile
For someone reportedly losing sleep over risks to his loved ones, Harry has courted near-incessant attention. He has bemoaned the pitfalls of his life to multiple publications, telling the BBC that his family will "miss everything" unless granted taxpayer-funded UK protection, despite their £11 million home in an exclusive Californian enclave.
If he truly wanted to bring his family back to Britain, he could plan a quiet trip, avoiding media coverage, instead of playing the momentum-building game that has preceded this month's visit. This amounts to treating King Charles, who is keen to see Archie, Lili, and his son as he ages and recovers from cancer, with contempt.
King Charles's Offer and Princess Kate's Example
Charles is understood to have offered the Sussexes accommodation at a royal residence, although they reportedly have yet to accept. The King likely remains in the dark as to whether Harry will travel alone or not, as his cat-and-mouse game with the press continues with just days to go.
Other members of the Royal Family have proven it is possible to fly under the radar when needed. The Princess of Wales completed the Three Peaks Challenge in utter secrecy this month, climbing the three tallest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales in under 24 hours, and only revealing it afterwards. Harry and Meghan could learn from Princess Kate—knowing when to keep quiet if they wish to control which parts of their lives are public.
