Prince Harry is still expected in the UK for Invictus Games-related events, but Meghan Markle, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet’s part of the trip is now uncertain after a fresh dispute over police protection.
The Duke of Sussex had planned to bring his family to Britain in early July, in what would have been their first visit as a family since 2022.
Sky News reported that Harry is reconsidering whether Meghan and the children can travel after his request for police protection was reportedly turned down.
The trip was tied to events marking one year to go until the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham. Harry was also expected to visit charities he supports during the UK visit.
Prince Harry Is Still Exploring Options for the Family Visit
Harry ‘reconsidering bringing family on UK trip’ over security concerns https://t.co/xbSrZNGoXb
— Sky News (@SkyNews) June 28, 2026
A spokesperson for Harry told People that the duke “continues to explore every available option” to let the visit proceed safely and give his children the chance to spend time in the UK.
The spokesperson said Harry’s UK programme includes public and private engagements across the country. They also said safe accommodation is only one part of the issue because “risk follows the person, not the place.”
Sky News reported that a source said Harry would not put Archie and Lilibet in a position where they could be “chased by paparazzi” after arriving in Britain.
The Security Fight Centers on Protection Outside Royal Residences
The latest dispute is not only about where the Sussexes would stay. People reported that King Charles has offered accommodation on a royal estate, but Harry’s team said the question is whether appropriate protection would cover the whole visit.
The Guardian reported that the government declined Harry’s request for police protection outside royal residences. A source close to the duke told the outlet that the family’s plans had been “pulled out from under their feet at the 11th hour.”
Harry lost automatic publicly funded police protection after stepping back as a working royal and moving to the United States in 2020. The Guardian reported that he had been awaiting a final decision from RAVEC, the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, which handles protection decisions for royalty and public figures.
Harry’s Team Says the Risk Review Has Not Happened
People reported that Harry’s spokesperson said an independent Risk Management Board review, which RAVEC had previously decided was needed, has still not taken place.
The spokesperson argued that without that review, it is difficult to judge whether the current security arrangements are proportionate. A source familiar with the matter told People that the family had been told police protection would apply on royal property but not while traveling to engagements or other locations.
A government spokesperson told The Guardian that the UK’s protective security system is “rigorous and proportionate.” The spokesperson said the government does not give details about individual arrangements because doing so could compromise security.
The Trip Was Expected to Include Invictus and Family Time
ITV News reported that Harry is due in the UK for charity engagements next week, including events marking one year to go until the Invictus Games in Birmingham in 2027.
The Invictus Games Foundation says Birmingham will host the 2027 games in July 2027. Harry founded the event for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.
The family trip also carried private significance. The Guardian reported that Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, were expected to have the chance to see King Charles. Sky News reported that the King has not seen the children in person since the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.
No Final Decision Has Been Announced
Harry and Meghan have not publicly announced a final decision on whether Meghan, Archie and Lilibet will still travel to the UK.
The latest reports describe the family portion of the visit as uncertain, not officially canceled. People reported that Harry is still trying to find a way for the trip to proceed safely, while ITV News reported that he is considering leaving Meghan and the children in California if the security issue is not resolved.
Harry’s own engagements remain tied to the Invictus Games countdown and his charity work. The question still hanging over the visit is whether his wife and children will be able to join him.