The Duke of Sussex is currently re-evaluating his plans to bring his wife, Meghan, and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, to the United Kingdom next month. This reconsideration follows the rejection of his formal request for state-funded police protection during the visit, as understood by the BBC.
This trip was intended to be the family’s first visit to the UK together in four years. Prince Harry’s team had submitted a formal application for police security, but they were informed on Friday that the request for taxpayer-funded protection had been denied. Sources indicate that the Prince is distressed by this outcome, which occurred only days before the scheduled arrival, though he remains keen to find a feasible way to move forward with the trip.
The decision was finalized following a security assessment by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), which holds the authority to determine security provisions for senior royals on behalf of the Home Office. Although Harry and Meghan had accepted an invitation to stay at a royal estate as guests of King Charles, the specific residence remains undisclosed.
Under the current security arrangements, police protection would only be available while the family is situated on a royal estate. At all other times, Prince Harry would be required to rely on his private security team accompanying them from California. The family had planned to stay in the UK for approximately five days.
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, was scheduled to join her husband for various public engagements in London and the Midlands. The visit was purposefully aligned with the start of the year-long countdown to the Invictus Games, which is set to take place in Birmingham next July and was founded by the Prince. Additionally, he had planned to visit several UK-based charities that he has continued to support since relocating to the United States.
In the past, Prince Harry has turned down offers to stay at Buckingham Palace, citing concerns regarding the high-profile nature of the building. Having lost a legal battle last year regarding regular police protection during UK visits, the Prince has previously expressed his deep desire for reconciliation with the Royal Family, while simultaneously voicing safety concerns about bringing his family back to his home country.
In a prior interview with the BBC, he stated his love for his country while questioning whether his wife and children could remain safe if they returned. The King last saw his grandchildren during the 2022 Platinum Jubilee, and his most recent face-to-face meeting with Prince Harry occurred in September at Clarence House. A definitive decision regarding the family’s travel plans is expected in the coming days.
