Prince Harry is reportedly reconsidering plans to bring Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to the United Kingdom, with ongoing security concerns threatening what would have been the children’s first visit to Britain since 2022.
According to reports, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had planned to travel to the U.K. in July with their two children while Harry carried out a series of engagements linked to the countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.
However, those plans are now said to be in doubt after the British government allegedly declined Harry’s request for police protection outside royal residences.
A source close to the prince told The Guardian that plans to see family, friends and charities were effectively “pulled out from under their feet at the 11th hour.”
The source added that Harry is exploring every possible option to ensure his family’s safety during any potential visit.
“He’s looking at every option to try and get the family here safely and keep them safe when they’re on the ground,” the source said.
One of Harry’s biggest concerns is reportedly preventing Archie and Lilibet from being pursued by photographers.
“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,” the source said. “He won’t put his children through that.”
Buckingham Palace has previously confirmed that King Charles offered accommodation at a royal residence during the planned visit, although it remains unclear whether that offer has been accepted.
If the trip ultimately goes ahead, it would mark the first time Archie and Lilibet have visited the U.K. since attending Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.
The visit was also expected to provide a rare opportunity for the children to spend time with King Charles, who has only met Princess Lilibet once and has had limited opportunities to see either grandchild since Harry and Meghan relocated to California in 2020.
Harry has repeatedly said security remains the main obstacle preventing him from bringing his family back to Britain. After losing his legal challenge over government-funded police protection last year, he admitted he could not “see a world” in which he would comfortably return to the U.K. with Meghan and their children under the current arrangements.
For now, whether the long-anticipated family reunion will happen remains uncertain as discussions over security continue.
