Prince Harry and his family have chosen to reside at a royal palace during their upcoming visit to the UK due to safety concerns. The Duke of Sussex is scheduled to participate in the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games in Birmingham. Following a lengthy six-month review of his request for publicly funded security, Harry is yet to receive confirmation of the decision.
A source close to the Duke expressed Harry’s growing frustration with the prolonged process and his subsequent change in approach. Originally expecting a decision within weeks, the delay has prompted Harry to accept the offer of accommodation at a royal residence, deeming it adequate for their security needs.
Harry, aged 41, will be accompanied by his wife Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet, during the visit. Despite previously stating concerns about the safety of his home country, Harry had declined previous offers to stay at a royal residence on solo trips. However, for the upcoming trip next month, the family is set to stay at Buckingham Palace.
Last year, Harry lost legal battles to retain police protection but subsequently appealed to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, citing ongoing safety threats despite stepping back from his royal duties. The forthcoming visit marks the first time the family will reunite in the UK since attending Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
Sources close to the Sussexes revealed Meghan’s keen interest in the Invictus Games and her determination to join the visit to Birmingham. Harry has been engaged in a prolonged legal dispute with the British government over security arrangements, which were revoked following his and Meghan’s decision to step back from royal responsibilities and relocate to the US in 2020.
No comment was provided by the Duke’s spokesperson regarding the current situation.