Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to bring their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to the United Kingdom next month, marking the young royals' first visit since June 2022. The trip comes despite ongoing security concerns after Harry's request for taxpayer-funded police protection was denied just days before the family's planned travel.
Family's Travel Plans
The Sussex family is reportedly currently touring Europe and will arrive in the UK later this week for a one-week stay. Harry's automatic right to police protection was removed when he stepped down as a working royal and moved to the United States. The Duke must now provide the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) with 30 days' notice of any planned visit, along with his itinerary.
Security Review Frustration
According to a source close to the Duke, Harry had become "increasingly frustrated" that a review into his request for taxpayer-funded security had taken more than six months. The source said: "He has grown increasingly frustrated with the whole process and has had to alter his standpoint. From initially being told a decision would be made within a matter of weeks, it is now more than six months on."
The denial of his request left Harry "distraught," but he ultimately decided to accept an offer to stay at a royal residence, which he believes will provide sufficient security for this trip. The source added: "He was determined to travel back to the UK with his family around the Invictus event, so he has finally made the decision to accept the offer of staying at a royal residence, which he believes will be sufficient for this trip."
Upcoming Invictus Event
The Duke of Sussex is scheduled to attend the one-year countdown event for the Invictus Games in Birmingham on July 10. This event is believed to be a key reason for the family's visit.
Previous UK Visits
Archie and Lilibet's last visit to the UK was in June 2022 for the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, which also coincided with Lilibet's first birthday. During that trip, Archie was reunited with his paternal grandfather, King Charles, who met his granddaughter in person for the first time.
