Prince Harry's request for taxpayer-funded police protection during his upcoming UK visit has been denied, putting at risk the planned return of Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, according to sources close to the Duke. The 41-year-old is scheduled to attend the one-year countdown event for the 2027 Invictus Games in July, and it was previously confirmed that his family would join him for a week-long stay beginning the first weekend of July.
Security denial forces change of plans
Harry's automatic right to police protection was removed when he stepped down as a working royal in 2020 and moved to California. Since then, he has been required to give the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) 30 days' notice of any planned UK visit, along with his schedule. A source close to the Duke 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 security request has left Harry distraught, just days before the family was meant to travel. The source added: "He (Harry) 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."
Children have not visited UK since 2022
Meghan, seven-year-old Archie, and five-year-old Lilibet have not travelled to the UK since 2022. Harry was reportedly eager for his children to spend time in Britain. However, with the security request denied, it remains uncertain whether they will accompany him.
A government spokesperson said: "The UK Government's protective security system is rigorous and proportionate. It is our longstanding policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals' security."
Harry's ongoing security battle
Harry has been engaged in a legal battle over his security status since his move to the US. He previously offered to pay for police protection himself, but the Home Office declined, stating that the provision of armed police officers is not available on a private-pay basis. The Duke has argued that he and his family face heightened security risks due to their public profiles.
The Invictus Games countdown event is expected to take place in London, and Harry is keen to promote the tournament, which he founded for wounded, injured, or sick armed services personnel. Despite the security setback, he remains committed to attending, though likely without his family.
