The Duke of Sussex is reconsidering bringing his wife, Meghan, and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, to the UK next month after his request for taxpayer-funded police protection was denied. The family's visit, their first to the UK in four years, was set to include public engagements and a stay at a royal estate.

Sources indicate Prince Harry is "distraught" by the decision, which was communicated just days before their planned arrival. The request for security was handled by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), which advises the Home Office on security provisions for senior royals. Harry's team had been awaiting the outcome of a security review.

While the family had accepted an offer to stay at a royal estate as guests of King Charles, police protection would only have been provided on these grounds. Outside of the royal estate, Prince Harry would have been reliant on private security flown in from California. The planned visit was intended to be a five-day trip, coinciding with the start of the year-long countdown to the Invictus Games, an event founded by Prince Harry.

This security denial adds another layer to Prince Harry's ongoing concerns about safety in the UK. He previously lost a legal battle to secure regular police protection during his visits and has expressed worries about bringing his wife and children back to the country. He stated last year, "I can't see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK at this point."

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, was scheduled to accompany her husband for several public engagements in London and the Midlands. Prince Harry was also expected to visit UK-based charities he continues to support from his home in California.

On previous visits, Prince Harry had declined offers to stay at Buckingham Palace due to security concerns. The denial of police protection for this upcoming trip directly impacts the safety arrangements for his family, particularly his young children.

The last time King Charles saw his grandchildren was during Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. Prince Harry last met his father for tea in September, their first face-to-face meeting since February 2024.

A final decision on whether Prince Harry will proceed with the trip, and whether Meghan and the children will be involved, is expected in the coming days. The situation highlights the complex security and family dynamics the Duke of Sussex navigates when considering visits to his home country.