For the first time in four years, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are expected to bring their children, Archie and Lilibet, to the UK. The visit, scheduled for 6 to 10 July, includes events linked to the Invictus Games, which Harry founded in 2014. But behind the scenes, the trip represents a delicate test of family relations and security arrangements after years of bitter disputes.
The basics: Prince Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, plan to travel with Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, for a series of engagements in London and Birmingham. The highlight is a celebration marking one year until the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham. King Charles III, 77, has reportedly offered the family use of a royal residence and security arrangements during their stay. This would be the children’s first visit to Britain since Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Meghan has not returned to the UK since the Queen’s funeral in September 2022.
“Prince Harry's security dispute and family rift explained ahead of UK visit with Meghan and children.”
The background: Since stepping back from senior royal duties in January 2020 and moving to California, Harry’s relationship with the Royal Family has been fraught. A key sticking point has been security. Harry lost a High Court challenge over taxpayer-funded police protection, arguing it was too dangerous to bring his family to the UK without adequate security. In his memoir, *Spare*, and a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, he expressed bitterness about the Palace's unwillingness to provide protection. Recently, however, Harry has said he has “forgiven his family” and wants reconciliation. According to sources, new arrangements have now created conditions for what they describe as “a safe return.”
Why it matters for UK readers: The monarchy remains a significant institution in British life, and the ongoing rift between Harry and his family—especially with his brother, Prince William—has been a source of public fascination and concern. The visit could be a turning point. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told *The i* newspaper: “If King Charles finds some excuse to avoid them, it’s game over. The rift will surely be permanent.” But any move to reconcile with Harry risks alienating William, who is widely seen as the most popular living royal. The King faces what Bond calls “the most delicate balancing act.” The outcome of this visit may shape the future of the royal family’s public image.
Q: Why doesn't Prince Harry get police protection in the UK? A: Harry lost a High Court challenge against a government decision to withdraw his taxpayer-funded police protection when he is in the UK. He argues it is unsafe for his family to visit without it, but the court ruled in favour of the government’s assessment.
Q: When did Harry and Meghan last bring Archie and Lilibet to the UK? A: The children last visited during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022. That was also the last time King Charles met them—he reportedly found the occasion “very emotional.”
Q: Are Harry and Meghan divorced or separating? A: No. The sources indicate they are travelling together as a family. Meghan is expected to accompany Harry in support of his Invictus commitments but is not undertaking separate public engagements.
What happens next: The visit is scheduled for early July 2026. Whether King Charles and Prince Harry will meet during the five-day trip—and whether Prince William will be involved—remains unconfirmed. According to reports, Harry has planned “pockets of downtime” in the hope of seeing his father. The King is expected to maintain a normal programme of engagements. The outcome could determine whether the family rift heals or becomes permanent.