Prince Harry Eyes 'Every Available Option' to Make UK Trip Possible for Archie and Lilibet
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet will be returning to the UK after four years, and their father is determined to show them his home country despite security issues.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s UK trip is drawing closer, and with every passing day, the chatter around it is intensifying. While the Duke of Sussex intends to bring his kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to his home country after four years, the questions around police protection haven’t been resolved. However, despite the challenges, Harry is determined to bring his kids along and ensure their safety is not compromised.
Harry and Markle are primarily visiting the UK to mark the 100-day countdown to the 2027 Birmingham Games. The Sussexes are expected to stay in various accommodations during their time in the UK, probably including royal housing. But the issues that the couple is expecting to face in the country go beyond just lodging. A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex recently told PEOPLE, “Prince Harry's programme in the United Kingdom includes both public and private engagements across the country. Safe accommodation is only one element of an effective protective security plan because risk follows the person, not the place."
It was previously reported that Harry would receive security only for the Invictus Games events, and speculation suggests that King Charles had also offered the family protection. However, these are of course temporary measures. "The issue has never been accommodation," the spokesperson continued. "The issue is whether appropriate and proportionate protective security is being provided throughout the entirety of the visit. The independent Risk Management Board that RAVEC itself decided was necessary last November has still not taken place. It is therefore difficult to understand how the proportionality of the current arrangements can credibly be maintained without that independent assessment."
Harry’s battle for security is far more complicated than one would think. As a senior working royal, he was entitled to automatic police protection. But the rights were stripped away when he stepped down from the role. To now grant him security paid for by taxpayers is a risky gamble that may not end up in the Duke’s favor. But beyond that, his case is based on the fact that he believes there is a threat to him and his family’s safety in the UK. A fear that had reportedly stopped him from introducing Archie and Lilibet to his home country.
However, the father-of-two is exploring every alternative possible for his kids to be in the UK safely. "The Duke continues to explore every available option to enable the visit to proceed safely and to give his children the opportunity to enjoy the U.K.," the spokesperson added.
While Harry and Markle reportedly have some public engagements planned, it is unlikely that Archie and Lilibet will make an appearance there. It is speculated that the family will also visit Althorp to see Princess Diana’s grave.
