Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children may not meet King Charles during UK visit: Here’s why | Today’s news
Prince Harry is worried his children won’t be able to meet King Charles during his upcoming visit to the UK. The trip was timed to coincide with the Invictus Games events in Birmingham in July. Prince Archie (7) and Princess Lilibet (5) will travel with their parents
Harry and Meghan are preparing their first family visit to Britain in four years. The Duke of Sussex was reportedly looking forward to Archie and Lilibet being reunited with their grandfather, the monarch.
The visit now seems uncertain following the government’s security decision. The Home Office has refused Harry’s request for police protection outside the royal residences.
A source close to the Duke described him as “distraught” by the development. Harry is said to be unwilling to expose his children to the paparazzi from the moment they land.
A source told the Guardian that plans to meet family, friends and charity were canceled at the last minute. Prince Harry is reportedly exploring all available options to make the trip happen. However, the visit may not take place without proper security measures.
“Their plans to see family, friends and attend various charity events close to the Duke’s heart were pulled from under their feet at the 11th hour. He is exploring all options to get the family here safely and keep them safe while they are on the ground. If he can find a way to do it, he will,” an insider told the publication.
“The hope is that they can meet their grandfather, but there’s no way that’s going to happen if they’re being followed by paparazzi everywhere they go from the moment they get off the plane. They’re not going to let their kids in on that,” the source added.
The trip would be the first time King Charles has seen Archie and Lilibet in person since 2022. The previous meeting took place during Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Harry lost a legal battle against the Home Office last year over automatic police protection during visits to the UK. He claimed it was not safe to bring his family to Britain without him.
Following this decision, he was given a full risk assessment. Since then, it has been awaiting the final decision of the royal and VIP executive committee, known as Ravec.
Ravec is the body of the Ministry of the Interior responsible for authorizing protective security measures. Its members include representatives of the royal household, the Home Office, the Cabinet Office and the Metropolitan Police, The Guardian added. Decisions are made by an independent chairman.
The situation puts the Duke’s family plans in the lead-up to the Birmingham Games into serious doubt. Harry’s team say they are still committed to finding a safe solution.
Where will Harry-Meghan stay?
According to a CNN insider, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will remain in the royal residence. Given the bitter history between the couple and Buckingham Palace, the move is seen as significant. This will reignite hopes of a reconciliation between the Sussexes and the royal family.
This is not the first time that the royal family has offered accommodation to Harry and Meghan, who are now based in the United States. However, this is the first time Harry and Meghan have embraced it. According to CNN, the Sussexes will also live privately during the trip.
