Prince Harry still intends to take his family to the UK next week, despite a security controversy that has reportedly left him “on the verge of tears”, according to a source cited by the publication. Vanity Fair.
Harry, whose trip is in support of next year’s Invictus Games in Birmingham, confirmed to multiple media outlets on Friday that he plans to travel to England with his wife Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. This will be their first family visit to the UK since 2022.
However, just hours after the announcement, the Duke did a U-turn and is reportedly considering canceling the trip with his family after learning that the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) will not be providing full-time police protection during the stay.
Taxpayer-funded provision is determined by RAVEC on a case-by-case basis and is generally intended for working members of the royal family. Contacted Vanity FairThe Home Office confirmed that its position remains unchanged.
Despite this hurdle, Prince Harry’s spokesman said he is currently exploring “all available options” to bring his family on July 7.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
While King Charles III offered the family a room at a royal residence, most likely Buckingham Palace, where their safety would be guaranteed, the Sussexes, who planned to move around the country, were informed that they would not have full police protection, which would include a guarded escort during their travels. Representatives for the Sussexes and Buckingham Palace did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Although they no longer have full-time protection since stepping down from royal duties in 2020, Harry hoped that specific arrangements would be made for this trip.
But when RAVEK confirmed he was not planning any specific events, just hours after Prince Harry unveiled a detailed program of his commitments, he said he was “devastated and on the verge of tears,” according to a source.
“He thought that since he came with his children and the king gave them a royal residence, he would receive what he had long asked for: constant police protection. This is not the case,” the source explained. The king made it clear that although he wants to see his son and grandchildren, he will not interfere in security matters.