Prince Harry has been left distraught after the UK government declined his request for police protection during a planned visit to Birmingham next month, effectively scuppering hopes for his children to meet King Charles for the first time in four years.
Invictus Games plans derailed
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had scheduled a trip to the UK in July for a series of events centred around the Invictus Games, due to be held in Birmingham. Harry had hoped that King Charles would meet Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, in person for the first time since 2022.
However, the Labour Party government has declined the request for police protection outside royal residences. A source close to Harry said on Sunday the prince was “distraught” at the development.
Safety concerns for children
A source told the Guardian the Duke of Sussex would not subject his children to being “chased by paparazzi wherever they go from the moment they step off the plane”. The source added: “Their plans to see family, friends and visit various charitable causes close to the duke’s heart have been pulled out from under their feet at the 11th hour. He’s looking at every option to try and get the family here safely and keep them safe when they’re on the ground. If he can find a way to do that he will.”
The source continued: “The hope is they can meet their grandfather, but there is no way that can happen if they are chased by paparazzi wherever they go from the moment they step off the plane. He won’t put his children through that.”
Government response
A government spokesperson said on Sunday: “The UK government’s protective security system is rigorous and proportionate. It is our longstanding policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals’ security.”
King Charles has not seen his youngest grandchildren in person since 2022 and it is not known if he will meet them during next month’s reported visit. The situation remains unresolved as Harry explores every option to ensure his family's safety.
