Meghan Markle and her two children, Archie and Lilibet, will not accompany Prince Harry to London for his upcoming visit, according to reports from The Sun. The decision follows a dispute regarding security arrangements. While Prince Harry is expected to attend an Invictus Games engagement, the absence of his family further complicates potential meetings with the King.
Why are the Sussexes changing their travel plans?
The primary driver behind the family’s shifting itinerary is a loss of a bid for taxpayer-funded security, according to reports. Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex initially indicated they were reassessing their travel plans just 24 hours after an itinerary was released. A source cited by The Sun confirmed that while an event was originally planned for both the Duke and Duchess at a London hospital, Prince Harry will now attend the engagement alone due to security reasons.
Last month, it was revealed that the King had made available a royal home to Harry and Meghan and the children – believed to be Buckingham Palace which comes with existing security.
What is the impact on royal family relations?
The decision to keep Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, out of London makes it less likely they can meet the King. The King has a string of engagements in London and across England next week. Royal Household sources this week claimed they were “weary” and “wary” about the ever-changing plans for Harry and his family’s return.
How does this visit compare to previous trips?
The Duchess was due to carry out her first engagement in the capital since before Megxit in March 2020 at a London hospital with Harry. Now, the couple is operating as a California-based pair, with reports indicating they are “still looking at options” to make the visit work “in some form”.
Pro Tip: Managing Travel Logistics
Public figures often face increased security hurdles when operating independently of state-funded protection. When planning high-profile international travel, security consultants typically recommend securing private, vetted facilities in advance to avoid last-minute itinerary changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn’t Meghan Markle joining the Prince in London?
According to The Sun, the Duchess has decided not to travel to London due to ongoing concerns regarding security arrangements.
Will Prince Harry see his children during this trip?
Harry is also expected to take his children to Althorp, in Northants, for their visit to the final resting place of his late mother, Princess Diana, though they will not be joining him for the London-based portions of his trip.
Is the Duchess attending the Invictus Games events?
Plans are still being discussed for Meghan to attend the one-year out Invictus Games bash at Birmingham’s NEC at the end of the week.
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