Prince Harry is believed to be “distraught” after learning that a planned family visit to the UK may not go ahead, raising fears that his children could miss out on seeing King Charles.
The Duke of Sussex had been preparing to bring his family to Britain for the first time in four years, but those plans were thrown into doubt after the Government refused his request for police protection outside royal residences.
A source close to the prince suggested the trip was effectively derailed at the last minute, with Harry now trying to work out alternative ways to ensure his family can travel safely to the UK.
Harry and Meghan had been planning the visit around Invictus Games events due to take place in Birmingham next month.
He was said to be especially keen for Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, to spend time with their grandfather during an early July visit.
Such a meeting would have been the first time the King has seen his youngest grandchildren in person since the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.
The family, who live in Montecito, California, had also hoped to combine the trip with visits to friends and charities that remain close to the duke’s heart.
A source told the Guardian: “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 added that Harry will not bring his children to the UK unless proper security is in place, saying he won’t expose them to press intrusion without adequate protection.
“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,” they said.
The dispute over security follows Harry’s unsuccessful legal challenge against the Home Office last year, in which he argued he should receive automatic police protection during UK visits.
After losing that case, he was granted a full risk assessment and has been awaiting a decision from Ravec, the Home Office committee responsible for royal and VIP protection.
A Government spokesperson said on Sunday: “The UK government’s protective security system is rigorous and proportionate.”
Relations between Harry and his father are said to have shown signs of improvement since their meeting at Clarence House last September — their first in-person contact since February 2024.
