The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Expected to Visit UK Next Month
London – Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to visit the United Kingdom next month with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. This would be the children's first visit to the UK in four years. A private meeting with King Charles III is considered likely, though final plans remain unconfirmed.
Visit Details and Security Status
The proposed trip, scheduled for early July, would include attendance at an Invictus Games promotional event in Birmingham and engagements related to Prince Harry's patronages. The itinerary is reportedly still being finalized.
According to reports, King Charles has offered the Sussexes accommodation at a royal residence for their stay, but it is unclear whether they have accepted or declined this offer. A reunion with the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince William and Catherine, is considered unlikely.
"The family would receive police protection only while on royal property."
Security Dispute
Prince Harry is reviewing the planned trip after the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) rejected his latest application for taxpayer-funded police protection. Prince Harry lost automatic entitlement to such security after stepping down as a working royal in 2020. Since then, he has been required to provide 28 days notice before traveling to the UK, with protection assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Under current arrangements, the family would receive police protection only while on royal property. A source stated that the RAVEC decision is "wilfully creating conditions that are making it nearly impossible" for the Sussexes to travel in the UK.
Previous Visit and Photography Issue
The last time Meghan Markle and the children visited the UK was in 2022 for the Platinum Jubilee. Reports indicate that Queen Elizabeth II declined a request from the Sussexes to bring a photographer during that visit.
Commentators have discussed the potential for a photograph of the upcoming reunion. One source expressed concern Meghan might use such a photo for publicity, while another argued any photo would be heavily scrutinized. Both suggested the meeting should remain private.
Separate Report: Ferguson-Epstein Contacts
Unrelated to the Sussexes' visit, newly uncovered records show that Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York, visited Jeffrey Epstein at an office linked to a company he used while participating in a work release program during his 2008 jail sentence for procuring a minor for prostitution. The meetings took place at the Palm Beach offices of the Florida Science Foundation.
Court records indicate Ferguson first contacted Epstein on April 4, 2009, requesting a meeting. Epstein provided his office address. After the visit, Epstein emailed Ferguson saying she looked "great" and that he had read material she gave him regarding her Mum's Army initiative. A second meeting was planned for April 20, 2009, but did not occur due to travel changes.