Harry reconsiders bringing family on UK trip over security row, derailing plans to take Archie and Lilibet to Diana’s grave
The family will only receive taxpayer-funded protection within royal residences, leaving them dependent on the private security team travelling with them from California
Prince Harry is reconsidering bringing his wife and children on his upcoming UK visit over concerns that they will not receive police protection, according to reports.
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The former Duke and Duchess of Sussex had originally planned to stay in Britain for five days of charity events in early July, including the marking the one-year countdown to Birmingham's 2027 Invictus Games.
The couple reportedly planned to bring Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, with them for their first trip to UK shores - although the children were not expected to attend any public events.
Details of the trip were announced on Friday evening, with Meghan scheduled to join her husband on visits to Royal Hospital Chelsea, as well as an Invictus event at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.
But reports claim that shortly after the plans were announced, the Duke was informed that his application for a security package for the visit had been denied.
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It comes amid rumours that Prince Harry was planning on taking his children to see their grandmother's grave, located at Althorp House in Northamptonshire, for the first time.
The trip to Diana's ancestral home was allegedly planned to fall near what would have been her 65th birthday.
But Prince Harry's plans may now be in jeopardy after news that the family will only receive taxpayer-funded protection when they are within royal residences, leaving Prince Harry dependent on the private security team travelling with him from California the remainder of the time.
The King has invited his family to spend time at a royal property during their visit, but it is understood that the couple were also expected to use private accommodation for a portion of their stay.
Sources claim that there is concern for the children's welfare in the face of any security incidents during their trip.
Prince Harry had been awaiting the results of a review by the risk management board - a process where the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) rules on his security requirements.
He understood the review was scheduled for March, but reportedly was only recently told it had not taken place - giving him just days to sort an alternative plan.
Sources claim Prince Harry is distraught over the decision but would still like to find a way to make the trip work.
The visit was time to mark the start of a year-long countdown to the Invictus Games for injured military personnel, of which Prince Harry is a founder, due to be held in Birmingham next July.
A government spokesperson said: "The UK Government’s protective security system is rigorous and proportionate.
"It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals’ security."
Harry was also due to attend other UK-based charity commitments.
Since stepping away from his royal duties in 2020, Prince Harry has not been given police protection on any visit, unless participating in official royal occasions like the late Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
Last year, Prince Harry lost a legal battle to have regular police protection while visiting in the UK.
As part of his current agreement, he is asked to provide 28 days’ notice of any plans to visit Britain, as taxpayer-funded security is decided on a case-by-case basis.
The last time the King saw his grandchildren in person was during Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.