Prince Harry and his family are set to stay at a royal residence during their upcoming visit to the UK due to security concerns. The Duke of Sussex will be attending the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games in Birmingham. The review process for his request for taxpayer-funded security, which has lasted six months, has recently concluded, although Harry has not been informed of the decision.
A source close to the Duke revealed his frustration with the lengthy process and the lack of clarity on the outcome. Despite initially being promised a decision within weeks, it has now been over six months. In light of this, Harry has decided to accept the offer of accommodation at a royal residence for the safety of his family during their visit.
Harry, aged 41, will be accompanied by his wife Meghan and their children, seven-year-old Archie and five-year-old Lilibet. The Duke has previously expressed concerns about the safety of returning to his home country. Despite declining offers to stay at a royal residence during solo trips to the UK after stepping back from his royal duties in 2020, the family will now be staying at Buckingham Palace for their upcoming trip.
Last year, Harry lost legal battles in the High Court and Court of Appeal regarding his police protection. He subsequently appealed to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to reinstate his security detail, citing ongoing threats to his safety despite his departure from the royal family. This visit marks the first time the family will be in the UK together since their attendance at Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
Sources close to the Sussexes disclosed that Meghan has a strong interest in the Invictus Games and was determined to join Harry in Birmingham. Over the past years, Harry has been in a legal dispute with the UK government over the removal of his taxpayer-funded security upon relinquishing his royal role and relocating to the United States.
The Duke’s spokesperson did not provide a comment on the matter.
