The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are planning a significant return to the United Kingdom in July, bringing their children, Archie and Lilibet, along for the visit. This will mark the family’s first trip back to British soil since 2022, underscoring the importance of the occasion for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, particularly given the family ties to the country.
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Prince Harry, 41, is expected to participate in events that celebrate the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games, which will take place in Birmingham between 10 and 17 July 2027. This upcoming visit has been anticipated for some time and is set against a backdrop of increasing speculation regarding potential family engagements and secure accommodations.
Central to these speculations is Althorp, the ancestral home of Princess Diana, Harry’s late mother. The estate, which also serves as her burial site, will be closed to visitors on the 10th and 11th of July, leading many to believe that Harry and his family may take the opportunity to visit or even stay at the historic estate during their time in the UK. With Althorp situated roughly an hour from Birmingham, it presents a convenient option for the Sussexes.
Harry previously stayed at Althorp, owned by his uncle Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, during past visits to the UK. This location holds deep sentimental value for Harry, as it is where he commemorated his mother’s legacy. Notably, Lilibet’s middle name, Diana, further highlights their ongoing connection to Princess Diana, making this visit particularly poignant, coinciding closely with what would have been her birthday on 1 July.
In terms of accommodation, King Charles III has reportedly extended an offer for Harry and his family to stay at a royal estate during their visit. However, the response to this offer is yet to be confirmed, with no additional security measures being arranged by the monarchy. Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan have faced challenges regarding their security in the UK, losing taxpayer-funded police protection, a matter which Harry has sought legal redress for due to concerns for his family’s safety.
Reunion prospects with his father remain uncertain. While no formal plans for a meet-up have been announced, Harry and King Charles have had brief encounters during previous trips, such as a 55-minute meeting at the King’s London residence in September 2025. During this reunion, the pair had discussions that marked their first direct communication in nearly two years, suggesting that reconciliation is a hope for Harry.
The couple’s last visit with their children to the UK occurred during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022. Since then, their trips have been more isolated, closely tied to significant family events. Following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in September of the same year, they returned to the UK for her funeral, extending their stay out of respect for her legacy.
Throughout these experiences, Harry has made it clear how much he values his connection to the UK and the importance of his children knowing their heritage. In a statement to the High Court, he expressed his desire for Archie and Lilibet to feel at home in their father’s native country, emphasising the need for adequate security to facilitate that experience.
Harry has disclosed that ensuring the safety of his family during visits to the UK is paramount, stating, “I can’t put my wife in danger like that,” and adding that he wants to shield himself from unnecessary risks too. Such sentiments reflect his continued advocacy for a safe environment for his family as they navigate the complexities of their ties to the British monarchy.
In his memoir, “Spare,” Harry also shared personal reflections on visiting his mother’s gravesite for the first time with Meghan, illustrating the emotional weight of such visits. He recounted the solemnity of bringing Meghan to the Althorp estate, a pilgrimage to honour his mother’s memory, highlighting the deep connections and emotions entwined with their British heritage.
As the family prepares for their upcoming trip, the attention will undoubtedly focus on the potential for repairs in family dynamics alongside the significance of their heritage, creating a moment of both personal and public interest in the lives of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.