Prince Harry has returned to the United Kingdom without Meghan Markle and their children, Archie and Lilibet, following the withdrawal of an accommodation offer from Buckingham Palace. The Duke’s visit has been marked by uncertainty and complication, including a secretive airport arrival and unknown lodging arrangements.
Initially, Harry hoped to bring Meghan and their children along, anticipating that temporary security provisions would be granted. He was reportedly eager for his family to spend time with King Charles, their grandfather, especially since the monarch has had very limited contact with Archie and only met Lilibet once during their last UK stay in summer 2022.
However, those hopes were dashed after the Home Office denied Harry’s request for taxpayer-funded security. The Duke is reportedly frustrated and upset by the refusal and is awaiting a security review by the Risk Management Board (RMB), which oversees the protocol for protection of members of the Royal Family and public figures. This review, expected to clarify his security status, has yet to take place.
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Due to these unresolved security issues, Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet will not accompany him to London. It remains unclear if they will reunite with Harry later this week for the Invictus Games countdown event in Birmingham. The children’s absence makes it less likely they will meet King Charles during this visit.
Speculation suggests the Sussex family might meet the King at one of his country estates, such as Highgrove or Sandringham, though no formal arrangements have been announced.
Adding to the complications, Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Harry will not be staying there during this visit, despite earlier reports that he had accepted an invitation to reside at the historic residence. Sources inside the Palace say that hosting a royal guest requires significant advance planning to coordinate staff and security, and Harry’s late acceptance allegedly led to the offer being rescinded.
Instead, Harry will stay in private accommodations, the details of which have not been made public. During his time in the UK, he is expected to participate in several engagements. These include a meeting with the Invictus Games Foundation at the Royal Hospital Chelsea and events in Birmingham, such as marking the 20th anniversary of the WellChild Nurse program at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. As Global Ambassador for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, Harry is also slated to attend the charity’s Summer Festival at Maxstoke Castle in Warwickshire.
While much of the Sussex family’s visit will focus on duties in the Midlands, there is an expectation that they will have some form of audience with King Charles during the trip. Harry last met his father in September 2025, although the King has not seen his grandchildren or daughter-in-law since 2022.