Prince Harry to Put His ‘Second Family’ First During UK Visit After Security Row
Prince Harry's UK return will reportedly focus on the Invictus community, even as questions remain over security and a royal reunion.
Prince Harry will finally be returning to the UK due to Invictus-related events, but much of the attention has been on whether he will reunite with the Royal Family. Previously, he described the charity as his “second family” and has made it clear that his commitment primarily lies with the upcoming Invictus Games.
As per GB News, sources close to the Duke have revealed that he is staying focused on the main purpose of the trip, despite several uncertainties around it. While he is hoping to spend time with friends and family during his visit, insiders say he is not letting the outside noise distract him from supporting the Invictus Games and the veterans at the heart of the event. He will be attending a special "one-year-to-go" countdown event celebrating the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.
Previously, there had been reports suggesting that Harry would not make the trip alone. Meghan Markle and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, were also supposed to join him. This would have been the kids’ first visit to the UK in four years. Moreover, a possible reunion between King Charles and his grandchildren was also in the cards. But it seems like that will not be possible anymore.
Harry was excited about Archie and Lilibet travelling to the UK, and there were speculations that they would visit Althorp, the Spencer family estate where Princess Diana is buried. His spokesperson previously said he is "continuing to explore every available option" to ensure the trip can go ahead safely while also giving his children the chance to experience the UK. However, after the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) revealed that they would not be providing full-time protection for his family during the visit, he reconsidered his decision.
BBC reported that Markle and the children will no longer travel to London as originally planned after it was confirmed that the family would not receive taxpayer-funded police protection. But there is still a possibility that they could join Harry later in the week when his five-day visit moves to Birmingham for Invictus Games events.
In the UK, taxpayer-funded security is decided by RAVEC on a case-by-case basis and is usually only provided to working members of the Royal Family. Harry’s fight for security has been long and hard. He has been trying to get it reinstated ever since he stepped back from royal duties and left the UK in 2020. After his High Court appeals, RAVEC began a fresh review of his security arrangements late last year, but a final decision has not yet been made.
