Prince Harry is reportedly examining all possible options to bring his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to the United Kingdom, with security concerns being the primary obstacle. A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex told Page Six on Monday that the central issue for any potential trip involving his wife Meghan Markle and their children is "whether appropriate security will be provided throughout the visit."
The spokesperson elaborated that Harry's planned itinerary in the UK includes both public and private engagements. "Safe accommodation is only one element of an effective protective security plan because risk follows the person, not the place," the statement read. The decision on the level of security to be granted to Harry and his family during the trip rests with the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC), a process that has reportedly complicated matters.
"It is therefore difficult to understand how the proportionality of the current arrangements can credibly be maintained without that independent assessment," the spokesperson stated. Harry "continues to explore every available option to enable the visit to proceed safely and to give his children the opportunity to enjoy the UK."
The Sussexes, who reside in Montecito, California, are currently vacationing in Europe ahead of their anticipated UK visit. Reports suggest the couple had planned to bring their children to England in July for the first time since 2022. Harry is keen for his family to visit his father, King Charles, who is being treated for cancer, according to sources.
However, unresolved security disputes with the British government have led Harry to reportedly reconsider the trip. He is allegedly concerned that his children might be "chased by paparazzi wherever they go from the moment they step off the plane," according to The Guardian. A source indicated that Harry is "distraught" over the Sussexes being offered only private security at their potential royal residence.
Prince Harry lost his official security privileges in 2020 after he and Meghan Markle stepped down from their royal duties. He has returned to the UK on several occasions since then, including an unsuccessful appeal against the security decision last year. Meghan Markle has not visited England since Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022.