Prince Harry to Return to the UK After Security Case Defeat — No Meghan Markle or Kids Again
Prince Harry is preparing to return to the U.K. next month, his first visit since losing his legal battle for state-funded security. The Duke of Sussex will be on British soil on September 8 for the WellChild Awards, a cause he has championed for nearly two decades, but the trip is already stirring questions about whether it could also pave the way for the much-awaited royal reconciliation.
Harry confirmed he would attend the ceremony, praising “the power of compassion, connection and community” as he spoke of meeting children, carers, and presenting the award for the most inspirational child aged four to six, The Times reported. While he will be at the event solo, with Meghan Markle, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet not expected to travel, his words about family have added weight to this trip.
Earlier this year, Harry’s legal bid to reinstate police protection in the U.K. was dismissed. Speaking to the BBC in May after the judgment, he admitted the issue had driven a wedge between him and his father. “My father won’t speak to me because of this security stuff. But it would be nice to reconcile.” He added, “I can’t see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the U.K. at this point. And the things that they’re going to miss are, well, everything. You know, I love my country. I have always done, despite what some people in that country have done… I think that it’s really quite sad that I won’t be able to show my children my homeland.”
Following his wish for a reconciliation with his estranged family, signs of a thaw have been evident in recent months. Two of Harry’s advisers were spotted in July meeting with the King’s communications team, fueling speculation that both sides were quietly exploring a path forward. However, it remains uncertain whether King Charles, expected to be in Scotland in September, will carve out time for a meeting. If father and son do come face-to-face, it would be the first time since February 2024, when Harry made a brief visit after Charles revealed his cancer diagnosis, a reunion that reportedly lasted just 30 minutes.
Despite its brevity, Harry described that visit as meaningful. In an interview with Good Morning America, he said, “The fact that I was able to get on a plane and go and see him and spend any time with him, I’m grateful for that. I jumped on a plane and went to see him as soon as I could.” At the time, he suggested more family visits might follow, saying, “I’ll stop in and see my family as much as I can.”
Whether the upcoming September trip will fulfill that promise remains to be seen. For now, Harry is focused on his role as patron of WellChild, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Calling the awards a 'privilege', he said: “I am always privileged to attend the WellChild Awards and meet the incredible children, families, and professionals who inspire us all with their strength and spirit. For 20 years, these awards have highlighted the courage of young people living with complex health needs and shone a light on the devoted caregivers — family and professionals — who support them every step of the way. Their stories remind us of the power of compassion, connection, and community.”