Prince Harry Reportedly ‘Close to Tears’ as Security Row Complicates UK Return for His Children
A fresh security decision has reportedly left Prince Harry questioning whether Meghan Markle and their children can safely join him in the UK.
Prince Harry’s return to the UK has been met with a major setback due to security concerns. As he still intends to bring his wife, Meghan Markle, and children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, along, their safety has become the biggest challenge ahead of the planned trip. The entire fiasco has reportedly left him ‘close to tears.’
On June 29, Harry’s spokesperson said he “continues to explore every available option” to make sure the trip can go ahead safely and “to give his children the opportunity to enjoy the UK.” However, just a few hours after the statement, the Duke reportedly began reconsidering whether to bring his family after learning that the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) would not provide full-time police protection during the visit. Security funded by UK taxpayers is decided by RAVEC on a case-by-case basis and is generally reserved for working members of the Royal Family.
According to a source who spoke to Vanity Fair, Harry was “devastated and close to tears” after RAVEC informed the Sussexes that full-time police protection would not be provided. The source said, “He had assumed that because he was bringing the kids, and the King had made a royal residence available to them, he would get what he had been pushing for all along—full-time police protection. That has not been the case.”
The insider also revealed, “From speaking to people close to him, it’s clear he is stressed and very disappointed in RAVEC’s decision not to give his family the security he believes they need to have to be safe when they are traveling.” Harry has been fighting to restore his taxpayer-funded police protection ever since he stepped back from royal duties and left the UK in 2020. Following his High Court appeals, RAVEC launched a fresh review of his security late last year, but the assessment has yet to be completed.
Moreover, King Charles had offered the Sussexes a place to stay during their visit, though he would not play a role in decisions surrounding their security. It is also understood that Harry, who no longer has an official UK residence, has yet to respond to the King's offer, although it remains open. “The King has made it clear that while he wants to see his estranged son and grandchildren, he will not intervene in security matters.”
Harry will return to the UK this July for a special "one-year-to-go" countdown event ahead of the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham. His itinerary reportedly includes stops at the Invictus Games Foundation at Chatham House in London and the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
