The Duke of Sussex is set to travel to Birmingham next week for an Invictus Games engagement, but his wife Meghan Markle and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, will not accompany him after a request for taxpayer-funded security was denied, according to reports.
Security Denial Triggers Family Absence
Prince Harry had requested additional security for himself, Meghan, and their children during the visit. However, after the UK government refused to provide publicly funded protection, the family decided to stay away from the UK entirely. The Duke and Duchess are no longer working members of the royal family and fund their own engagements.
It remains unclear whether Harry will accept an invitation to stay at a royal residence during his visit, according to The Mirror. The security decision has effectively scuttled any immediate plans for Archie and Lilibet to reunite with their grandfather, King Charles.
Birmingham Visit in Doubt
Meghan had been scheduled to join Harry in Birmingham on Friday for an Invictus Games event. The visit was planned well in advance but was thrown into doubt after the couple learned they would not receive taxpayer-funded protection. This would have been Meghan's first return to the UK since 2022, ending a series of solo trips Harry has made in recent years.
According to The Telegraph, one source claimed Harry had been promised safe passage in and out of the royal residence he planned to use, but the security denial led to last-minute changes.
Family Open to Future UK Visits
Despite the cancellation, the family remains open to visiting the UK in the future. The Duke and Duchess continue to support the Invictus Games, which Prince Harry founded for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women.
The security decision highlights the ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and the UK government over protection arrangements since they stepped back from royal duties. Harry has previously challenged the security decisions in court, arguing that his family should receive the same level of protection as other high-profile individuals.
