The Duke of Sussex is reconsidering bringing Meghan, Archie and Lilibet to the UK over security concerns

Prince Harry is reportedly reconsidering plans to bring Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and their two children to the United Kingdom next week, citing continued concerns over security arrangements during visits to his home country.

The Duke of Sussex is scheduled to travel to Britain for a series of charity engagements, including events marking one year until the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027. Although his office had previously indicated that Meghan, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet would accompany him, sources close to the Sussexes now say Harry is weighing whether it is safe for his family to make the journey.

The potential change of plans comes amid an ongoing dispute over the level of security provided to the Duke and his family while they are in the UK. Harry has consistently argued that the current arrangements do not offer sufficient protection and has maintained that he cannot confidently bring his wife and children to Britain without appropriate security measures in place.

Since stepping back from royal duties and relocating to the United States in 2020, Prince Harry no longer receives the automatic taxpayer-funded police protection previously available to working members of the Royal Family. Decisions relating to his security are made by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, commonly known as RAVEC.

According to sources within Harry’s team, the Duke remains concerned about threats made against him and his family. They argue that Meghan has been subjected to sustained online abuse, increasing concerns about her safety during any visit to the UK. They also claim Harry has received multiple threats over recent years and believe these risks warrant a fresh review of his security arrangements.

Supporters of the Duke point to the fact that he has received enhanced security during overseas visits, including trips to Ukraine, Colombia and Nigeria. They argue that the level of protection available during those visits contrasts sharply with the arrangements offered when he travels to Britain.

Although Harry and Meghan fund their own private security, sources close to the couple say privately employed protection officers do not have access to intelligence resources available to specialist police units. They believe this places the family at a disadvantage when assessing potential threats.

The Duke’s team also argues that, as the son of King Charles III and fifth in the line of succession, Harry continues to face a unique security risk. His children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are also in the line of succession, a factor supporters believe should be reflected in security assessments.

Sources close to the Sussexes have questioned why a new risk assessment has not been carried out since 2020. They claim they were previously assured that a new Risk Management Board review would take place but say that process has yet to happen.

The dispute has also reignited criticism of what Harry has previously described as the influence of senior palace officials, sometimes referred to by him as the “grey suits”. Sources close to the Duke claim representatives from Buckingham Palace and the office of the Prince of Wales are among the members of the RAVEC committee, raising concerns in Harry’s camp about the independence of decisions relating to his security.

Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on specific security arrangements. However, palace sources confirmed that Harry and Meghan had been offered accommodation at a royal residence during their planned visit to Britain. According to those sources, the offer has not yet been accepted.

The possible absence of Meghan and the children would mean King Charles III may again miss an opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren. The King has not seen Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet since the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. Meghan has not returned to Britain since attending Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral later that year.

Harry’s upcoming visit remains focused on charitable commitments, particularly support for the Invictus Games, the international sporting competition he founded for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans. The event in Birmingham next year is expected to be one of the largest editions of the Games.

For now, no final decision has been announced regarding whether Meghan, Archie and Lilibet will accompany the Duke. The situation continues to depend on whether Harry believes the security arrangements offered for his family provide sufficient protection during their time in the United Kingdom.