Reports that Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, will be travelling together to the United Kingdom next week for the first time in four years have been widespread.
However, new reports by multiple publications have shrouded the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s plans in doubt “at the 11th hour”.
Daily Mail’s Rebecca English reflected on the uncertainty surrounding the trip, writing that despite the family set to touch down in the UK on July 7, their accommodation has still not been confirmed.
Last week, it was reported King Charles had offered the Sussexes accommodation at one of the royal residences, with many viewing the gesture as an olive branch amid family tensions.
However, English claims that the Montecito-based couple have not confirmed where they will be staying.
“As for the Palace, I am told its offer of the use of a royal residence for the Sussexes has not even been accepted – with mere days to go before their arrival,” she wrote.
Furthermore, The Guardian reports that Prince Harry is no longer sure about bringing his wife and children to the UK after their security plans were “pulled out from under their feet at the 11th hour”.
According to the publication, the government’s decision to decline Harry’s request for police protection outside royal residences has majorly impacted his hopes to bring his young kids to Britain.
A well-placed source told The Guardian that Harry is avidly against subjecting Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, to being “chased by paparazzi wherever they go from the moment they step off the plane”.
“Their plans to see family, friends and visit various charitable causes close to the duke’s heart have been pulled out from under their feet at the 11th hour.”
They added: “He’s looking at every option to try and get the family here safely and keep them safe when they’re on the ground. If he can find a way to do that he will.”
Prince Harry’s access to police protection was taken away when he and Meghan walked away from royal duties in 2020 and relocated to the United States.
Last week, it was reported that the Duke of Sussex had grown “increasingly frustrated” after submitting a review into his request for taxpayer-funded security for his family during their UK trip.
The process, which the UK government allegedly said would be completed in “a matter of weeks”, instead took six months, with BBC revealing that Harry’s appeal was officially rejected last Friday.
News.com.au first reported the Sussexes’ UK return earlier this month, with a source close to Harry revealing he has felt “great sadness” that safety concerns have prevented his wife and children from travelling to the United Kingdom with him in the past.
“It’s been a real point of great sadness – for Harry especially – that he’s been unable to bring his wife and kids back to the UK safely to reconnect with friends and family, but anyone would understand his desire to put their safety first,” the source said.
“He would love to introduce the children to his wider family, to show them the UK, where he grew up – his homeland. That would be a natural thing for any parent.”
