The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to head to the UK as a family for the first time in four years to attend a major Invictus event in Birmingham. Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, are reportedly set to travel to the UK in mid-July for the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games in Birmingham. This marks their first family visit to Harry's home country since the Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
Background of the Visit
The last time Meghan was in Britain was for the late Queen Elizabeth's funeral in 2022, while Archie and Lilibet last travelled to the UK for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Harry has long expressed a desire to bring his family back to the UK, but security concerns have been a major obstacle.
Security Concerns
In May 2025, Harry lost his appeal to reinstate his taxpayer-funded security in the UK, which was replaced with a 'bespoke' arrangement after he stepped back as a working royal. However, in December, the Home Office decided to review Harry's police protection. An inside source has indicated that protections have been put in place for the upcoming visit, stating: "You can be assured that if they are coming [to Britain], then he’s satisfied that the conditions have been met to keep them all as safe as possible."
Potential Family Reunion
It is currently unknown if Harry will reunite with his father, King Charles, during the visit. Charles has spent very little time with his grandchildren, and it is believed the 2022 trip was the first and only time he met Lilibet. An insider told the Telegraph: "He has wanted to have his kids meet their grandfather, especially after their summit in London last year. While there have been deep-seated trust issues around Harry, there is a sense now that all parties want peace."
Strained Relationships
Harry's relationship with the Royal Family remains strained. He last saw his father in September last year for a 50-minute private tea at Clarence House during the WellChild Awards. He has reportedly not seen his brother, the Prince of Wales, or sister-in-law, the Princess of Wales, since the late Queen's funeral. The estrangement stems from Harry's public comments in the Oprah Winfrey interview, his Netflix docuseries, and his memoir Spare.
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Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond commented: "Security worries lie at the very heart of Harry’s estrangement from his family here. He has said that the dispute has always been the sticking point in any reconciliation with his father. I think he is sincere when he talks about wanting his children to know and understand their heritage. And he has said publicly that he wants his father and his brother back in his life. That may still be some way off – particularly where William is concerned – but if he can at least feel he can bring his family here safely, there has to be some hope of reconciliation."
