Prince Harry wants to bring his family to Britain despite the row over security
This is according to Vanity Fair.
According to the publication, Prince Harry had expected his family to receive permanent police protection whilst in the UK. He had assumed that King Charles III’s invitation to stay at the royal residence might help resolve the security issue.
However, RAVEC — the government committee responsible for determining the level of security for members of the royal family and VIPs — refused to provide the Sussexes with full police protection for the duration of their trip.
A source at Vanity Fair claims that this decision left Prince Harry “devastated and almost in tears”. According to the publication’s source, the Duke of Sussex is under stress and disappointed that he did not receive the security guarantees he had insisted upon.
King Charles III’s position
King Charles III, according to media reports, has offered his son and his family the use of one of the royal residences. This is believed to be Buckingham Palace.
At the same time, the monarch does not intend to interfere in decisions regarding police protection. Sources at Vanity Fair note that the King has made it clear he wishes to see his son and grandchildren, but that security matters are not his responsibility, but that of government bodies.
Harry had previously lost a court appeal against the UK Home Office regarding automatic state protection. After stepping down as a senior working member of the royal family in 2020, he lost his entitlement to permanent taxpayer-funded security.
When might the visit take place?
Prince Harry’s trip to the UK is linked to preparations for the Invictus Games, which are due to take place in Birmingham in 2027.
According to Vanity Fair, the visit is scheduled for 7 July. The itinerary includes events in London and Birmingham, notably those linked to the Invictus Games Foundation, as well as a visit to the Royal Chelsea Hospital.
It has also been reported that Prince Harry may take part in public and private events in various parts of the country. His spokesperson stated that the Duke is “exploring all available options” to ensure the visit takes place safely and that his children can see the UK.
Why this matters to Harry
For Prince Harry, the issue of security remains one of the main reasons why Meghan Markle, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have not visited the UK in recent years.
The Duke of Sussex has repeatedly stated that he wants his children to get to know the country where he was born, but considers a return to be dangerous without adequate protection.
According to media reports, a possible visit could also include a private meeting between the children and King Charles III. The last time the Sussexes visited the UK as a family was in 2022.
Despite being denied permanent police protection, Prince Harry has not yet cancelled the trip. However, the format of the visit may change: according to media reports, the Duke is considering a shorter visit or alternative security measures.
The final itinerary for the Sussexes’ stay in the UK has not been officially confirmed.
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