Prince Harry is preparing for a visit to the United Kingdom this July, coinciding with a series of public events that will mark the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games. He will be joined by his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, during what promises to be a significant family occasion.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Prince-Harry-Meghan-Markle-Scar-Tree-Walk-061526-d3dcd7ead8e44bdbaf9e4a2fc5e43537.jpg)
Currently, the Sussex family is enjoying a holiday in Europe. Their upcoming trip to Britain is particularly noteworthy as it will mark the first time Archie, aged seven, and Lilibet, aged five, will have visited the country since the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.
The couple have confirmed their intentions to participate in various engagements as part of the countdown to the Invictus Games, which are scheduled to be held in Birmingham from July 10 to July 17, 2027. However, it is anticipated that Archie and Lilibet will not take part in any public events during this visit.
In recent reports, security concerns have surfaced regarding the trip. Although Harry has considered the implications of travel to the UK, sources close to the couple have indicated that their plans remain unchanged. The Duke of Sussex has expressed persistent apprehensions about the safety of his family, especially after the withdrawal of their taxpayer-funded police protection in 2020.
A critical aspect of this situation remains the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC), which has yet to produce a long-awaited review of Harry’s security provisions. Given the couple’s prior experiences, Harry has emphasised that he cannot imagine returning to the UK without adequate protection for Meghan and the children.
Accommodations for the family remain subject to discussion, though King Charles has extended an invitation for them to stay at a royal estate during their visit. While the exact location of the estate has not been disclosed, if they choose to reside there, they would be protected under the existing security arrangements at that property. Reports suggest that the family may opt for a combination of royal residences and private accommodations during their stay.
The highlight of Prince Harry’s visit will undoubtedly be the lead-up to the Invictus Games. Plans are in place for him to attend a series of events, starting with a visit to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, the main venue for the Games. Harry is expected to engage with competitors from previous Invictus Games, watching and participating in a number of exhibition events aimed at officially launching the countdown while showcasing a variety of adaptive sports.
Additionally, Harry’s itinerary includes a conversation at Chatham House as part of the 14th Invictus Games Foundation Discussion: “From Policy to Practice.” Alongside these public engagements, he and Meghan are slated to participate in private meetings with the Invictus Games Foundation at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, further solidifying their ongoing commitment to the cause.
Moreover, Harry is set to visit Birmingham Children’s Hospital to commemorate the 20th anniversary of WellChild’s first WellChild Nurse, a charity of which he is a patron. His role as Global Ambassador for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity dedicated to supporting bereaved military families, will also see him attending Scotty’s Summer Festival at Maxstoke Castle in Warwickshire.
Upon their arrival in the UK, there exists a possibility for Harry’s children to spend time with their grandfather, King Charles. Since relocating to California in 2020, Archie has only had limited interactions with the monarch, and Charles has met Lilibet only once, when she was named after the late Queen’s childhood nickname.
While there have been no confirmed plans for a reunion between Harry and his father during this visit, the two have had interactions on previous trips, including a private meeting at the King’s London residence in September 2022. That encounter marked their first face-to-face conversation in 19 months, demonstrating the complex familial dynamics at play.
As July approaches, public interest in the Sussex family’s return to the UK remains high. The significance of their visit will not only be felt in the context of the Invictus Games but also in the potential for reconnection with the royal family. The eyes of the world will likely be watching closely as this story unfolds.