The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, is preparing for a visit to the UK next month, although it appears his family will not accompany him. Sources indicate that Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who are seven and five years old respectively, are not expected to join him during this trip, which will focus on events related to the Invictus Games.
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Harry, 41, will head to Birmingham in July to participate in activities linked to the upcoming 2027 Invictus Games, which will take place in the city. This forthcoming visit has reignited speculation surrounding the possible return of the entire Sussex family to the UK. The Duke has previously expressed his wish for his children to connect with their British heritage, but security concerns seem to pose a significant barrier to this aspiration.
Security remains a critical issue for the family, particularly since Prince Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal duties in 2020. While reports in January hinting at Harry meeting the criteria for enhanced protection emerged, no formal arrangements have been communicated to him ahead of his visit. A close source noted that despite potential optimism, confirmation of any changes to security protocols has yet to be provided.
As Harry prepares for his solo journey, the royal family will be observing the Trooping the Colour ceremony on June 13, an event marking King Charles’ birthday. In recent years, invitations to this celebration have not extended to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, a trend likely to continue this year. The changes to Trooping the Colour have been noted since King Charles assumed the throne, notably restricting balcony appearances to working members of the royal family, further distinguishing the roles within the modern monarchy.
The couple’s previous appearances at Invictus Games events have been made together, with notable appearances in Germany and Canada during the countdown to the Games. Since Harry has taken several solo trips to the UK over the last few years, Meghan has not returned since 2022, when they extended their stay to observe Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, following the announcement of her death.
Harry’s statements regarding security reflect his concerns for the safety of his family. Having been deprived of state-funded protection upon their departure from royal duties, he has engaged in a legal fight to have police protection reinstated for himself and his children. In a court statement, he conveyed his sentiments regarding wanting his children to feel at home in the UK, asserting that safety is paramount for him to achieve this goal.
This sentiment is underscored by Harry’s stated fears regarding the safety of his family amid ongoing tension with the royal family over security issues. He has expressed a desire for reconciliation with them but suggested that disputes over security remain a barrier. Recently, Harry and King Charles had a private meeting at Clarence House after a significant period of estrangement, raising hopes for potential restoration of familial bonds.
The Duke has a long history with the Trooping the Colour event and shared experiences at the parade with Meghan after they tied the knot in 2018. This includes their appearances in the horse-drawn carriage and balcony moments following the celebrations. The event was considerably scaled down during the pandemic, returning in a limited capacity for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. However, Harry and Meghan’s status outside the working royal family has meant limited participation in recent celebrations.
As discussions about the family’s future in the UK continue, much remains uncertain. Harry’s forthcoming visit could provide new insights into his relationship with the royal family and the ongoing debate over security measures for him and his family. The absence of Meghan and their children may yet signify deeper divides or unresolved issues as they navigate their lives between their current residence in California and the ties that still bind them to Britain.