Prince Harry is set to arrive in Britain on Monday for a five-day visit, but without his wife Meghan and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, after they were reportedly refused police protection. The trip, intended to mark the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games, has been plagued by logistical setbacks and ongoing tensions with the royal family.
Family Stay Canceled Over Security Concerns
A source close to the Duke of Sussex told AFP that Meghan and the children will not accompany Harry to London after the family was denied security. The source added that arrangements for the rest of the trip are still under consideration, leaving unclear whether the family will visit but stay outside the capital.
Harry has previously stated that he feels unable to bring his family to the UK after losing a court case last year to have his police protection restored during visits. The security issue has been a recurring point of contention since Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and relocated to North America.
Buckingham Palace Accommodation Offer Withdrawn
Just ahead of Harry's expected arrival, Buckingham Palace contradicted the Duke's team, stating that he would not be staying at the palace after missing a deadline to accept the accommodation offer. Harry's spokesman expressed disappointment, saying the offer to be hosted by his father, King Charles III, had been 'withdrawn at the last moment,' in a statement sent to AFP.
It remains unclear whether Harry will meet the king during this week's trip. He last met Charles in September 2025 at Clarence House, where the monarch is being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer.
Legal Battle and Lawsuit Ruling
Harry's visit coincides with the delivery of a judgment expected Tuesday in a case against Associated Newspapers, owner of the Daily Mail, over alleged unlawful information gathering. The High Court trial earlier this year saw Harry give emotional testimony alongside pop star Elton John, actress Elizabeth Hurley, and other public figures accusing the tabloid publisher of invading their privacy.
This is the third and likely final case brought by Harry in his acrimonious legal battle with the British press, which has further strained relations with the royals. The prince has also been involved in other legal disputes, including over his police protection in the UK.
Strained Family Relations
Harry and Meghan left Britain in 2020, stepping back from royal duties amid a bitter feud with the royals, which worsened after Harry published his tell-all memoir 'Spare' and engaged in multiple legal battles in the UK. Despite Harry expressing a desire to reconcile with his father, relations appeared frosty on the eve of this visit.
The prince's trip, meant to be his first family return to the UK in four years, has instead highlighted the ongoing security and personal challenges that continue to define his relationship with his homeland and the monarchy.
