Prince Harry still pushing to bring family to UK safely
Prince Harry remains determined to bring Meghan and their children to the UK this month, Sky News understands, despite authorities rejecting taxpayer-funded police protection and a security report warning of elevated terror risks in Britain. His team is still exploring options to make the family visit safe.
The Duke of Sussex had planned to travel with Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet at the start of July for celebrations marking the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games in Birmingham. It would be the first time in four years that Harry has brought his wife and children to Britain together, a trip sources say could allow the children to reunite with King Charles in person.
Key Takeaways
- Prince Harry's security team is still working to bring Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet on the UK trip after police protection was denied.
- A confidential report seen by ITV News found an elevated terror threat to Harry in the UK, citing six plots, five originating in Britain.
- Police protection would apply on royal estates, but the family would rely on private security elsewhere.
- A spokesperson said Harry continues to explore every available option to enable the visit safely.
- A final decision on whether the full family travels is expected in the coming days.
Why is Prince Harry reconsidering his family's UK trip?
The BBC understands the duke is reconsidering whether Meghan and the children should join him after his formal request for police security was rejected on Friday, just days before the family was due to arrive. Sources told the broadcaster that Harry is distraught about the decision but still wants to find a way to make the visit work.
On previous visits, Harry has declined offers to stay at Buckingham Palace because of security concerns over using such a high-profile building. For this trip, the couple had accepted an offer to stay on a royal estate as guests of the King, though the location has not been made public. They were also expected to use private accommodation during roughly five days in the UK.
What does the security report say about threats to Harry?
ITV News reported that a confidential Threat and Vulnerability Risk Assessment, commissioned by Harry's private US-based security firm, concluded the safety risk to the duke and duchess is more elevated in the UK than in the United States. The report found at least six plots against Harry from jihadist and right-wing threat actors, five of which originated in Britain.
The assessment highlighted stochastic terrorism — grassroots or lone-actor attacks — as the highest-priority threat. It also said the Metropolitan Police are aware of nearly 500 potential stalkers targeting the Royal Family, about half of whom have demonstrated a threat against Harry, Meghan, and their children. Private protection officers cannot carry lethal weapons in the UK, the report noted, leaving only UK police authorized by RAVEC able to respond adequately to armed attacks.
When is Harry due in the UK and what happens next?
Prince Harry is due back in the UK next week, ITV News reported, with Sky News understanding that his security team is continuing to look at options so the duchess and children can join the trip. The BBC said Meghan was planning to join her husband on public engagements in London and the Midlands during the visit.
A spokesperson for the duke said he continues to explore every available option to enable the visit to proceed safely and to give his children the opportunity to enjoy the UK, Sky News reported. Archie and Lilibet last saw the King at the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Sources stress the monarch is not involved in decisions on his son's security, and a final decision on the family's involvement will be made in the coming days.
For broader UK policy and public-interest coverage, see our Fintech & Crypto Alerts section. Full background is available from Sky News.