Prince Harry has made a return to the United Kingdom without his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children, Archie and Lilibet. This recent visit, which commenced on July 6, 2025, sees the Duke of Sussex engaged in a series of charity events, including festivities marking one year until the 2027 Invictus Games, set to take place in Birmingham.
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Initial plans had hinted at a family trip, with reports indicating that Meghan and the children would accompany Harry for their first visit back to the UK since 2022. However, it was recently confirmed that Meghan, aged 44, and the couple’s children would remain in the United States due to ongoing security concerns, thus changing the family’s travel plans.
The Duke of Sussex, now 41, has been an advocate for the restoration of his family’s security since stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and relocating to California. Following this transition, Harry and Meghan lost their automatic police protection in the UK, which has remained a contentious issue for the couple. As Harry prepares for his engagements, the discussions about the suitability of protection during this visit continue.
Reports suggest that a long-awaited assessment of Harry’s security needs by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC) is still under review. Although King Charles has provided assurances regarding accommodation on a royal estate, these arrangements do not extend beyond the property, raising further questions about the safety of Meghan and the children while in the UK.
In a recent statement, a spokesperson for the Duke expressed that the crux of the matter lies in whether there is “appropriate and proportionate protective security” available for him and his family throughout their stay. This sentiment echoes Harry’s previous comments, where he voiced concerns about returning to the UK without adequate security measures in place. “I can’t see a world in which I would bring my family back without the police protection I have long sought,” he shared with the BBC last year.
Harry’s longing to reconnect his children with their heritage is evident. He reflected on the experiences they are missing by not visiting the UK, a sentiment that underscores the emotional toll of their disconnection from his homeland. “It’s really quite sad that I won’t be able to show my children my homeland,” he lamented, highlighting his children’s British roots.
Prince Archie, now seven, first made headlines in May 2019 during a public photo call at Windsor Castle shortly after his birth. He has previously visited the UK for significant occasions, including a royal tour in 2019 when he met leading figures such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Meanwhile, his sibling, Princess Lilibet, born in 2021 and named after her great-grandmother, has only visited the UK once, during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.
During that visit, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex celebrated Lilibet’s first birthday with an intimate garden party at their former residence of Frogmore Cottage. The family released formal photographs from the event, showcasing their British connection, albeit within a limited scope due to security and personal concerns.
As the timeline for Harry’s visit progresses, the potential for Meghan and the children to join him in parts of the UK remains uncertain. Discussions about security will likely continue to shape any future plans for the family, as Harry navigates the complexities of his dual roles as a royal and a father wishing to instill a sense of heritage in his children.
In summary, Prince Harry’s recent solo trip to the UK serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex since stepping back from royal responsibilities. Their desire to maintain a connection to the UK is evident, yet it continues to be undermined by security issues and the need for protective measures, altering their experiences and family dynamics.