London, England — King Charles III has formally invited Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to stay at royal residences during their upcoming visit to the U.K. from July 7 to July 11, 2026. For the first time, the couple has accepted the invitation, which they plan to make alongside their children, seven-year-old Prince Archie and five-year-old Princess Lilibet. However, uncertainties loom over the trip due to a continuing dispute regarding adequate security measures for the family, which has raised concerns about whether all members will participate in the visit. If they do make the journey, it would mark the family’s first return to Britain in nearly four years.
A representative for Prince Harry has stated that the UK’s Royal and VIP Executive Committee denied the requested level of police protection for the family when outside royal premises. The spokesperson emphasized that the issue revolves around the availability of “appropriate and proportionate protective security,” not the accommodations themselves. The UK government has countered that its security protocols are both “rigorous and proportionate,” refusing to comment on specific arrangements. Sources close to Prince Harry have indicated he is troubled by the decision, casting doubts on whether his children will join him on the trip despite initial plans.
The couple’s last official visit to the U.K. occurred in June 2022 when they attended the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations with Archie and Lilibet. Since then, Meghan’s sole visit to the country was for the Queen’s funeral in September 2022, while the children have not been in Britain since the Jubilee nearly four years prior.
During their upcoming visit, Harry plans to attend events related to the Invictus Games in London before heading to the Midlands to mark one year until the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, a sporting competition he established for injured servicemen and women. However, Archie and Lilibet are not expected to participate in any public events.
A representative for Harry and Meghan confirmed that they have accepted the king’s hospitality and will stay at a mix of royal residences and private accommodations. While specific locations remain undisclosed, royal insiders have suggested that Buckingham Palace may be among the considered properties due to its extensive security measures. In previous visits, Harry had declined to stay at Buckingham Palace, citing security risks associated with its high visibility.
This upcoming stay will be the first time the couple has taken the king up on his ongoing offer. Security issues have been a contentious topic since Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal duties in 2020. A spokesperson indicated that Harry is actively seeking a resolution that would allow them to visit safely, giving their children a chance to connect with their U.K. roots.
Royal sources have expressed cautious optimism about the potential impact of the family’s visit. A palace insider noted that any meeting between Harry, Meghan, and King Charles would signify a significant shift toward mending relationships. The king is reportedly eager to reunite with his son and daughter-in-law, as well as spend time with his grandchildren, whom he has had limited interactions with, including a first meeting with Lilibet during the 2022 Jubilee.
While the relationship between Harry and his father shows potential for reconciliation, tensions remain high between Harry and his brother, Prince William. Commentators have suggested that William feels deeply let down by Harry and has no current plans to meet during the visit. The divide is a lingering consequence of the claims Harry and Meghan made after stepping back from royal life, alleging neglect and mistreatment by the institution.
For Harry, this visit carries substantial personal meaning. He has expressed a deep desire for Archie and Lilibet to engage with their British heritage and connect with family members whom they have not seen. The outcome of this week-long trip could play a crucial role in shaping the children’s ties to the U.K. and their father’s family, marking a pivotal moment in their lives.