Prince Harry is set to return to London in May, marking his first visit since his father, King Charles III, announced he would be resuming royal duties amid a cancer diagnosis. The Duke of Sussex will be in the UK to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, an event he founded to support wounded veterans and promote their recovery through sports.
On May 8, Harry will attend a service of thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral, where he is expected to give a reading alongside actor Damian Lewis. However, it remains uncertain whether his wife, Meghan Markle, will accompany him on this trip.
A spokesperson for the Invictus Games stated that the anniversary ceremony will highlight “a decade of changing lives and saving lives through sport.” Despite the significance of the occasion, Meghan’s absence raises questions about her current relationship with the royal family and her feelings about returning to the UK.
This visit will be particularly poignant for Harry, as it will be his first time back in London since he traveled to see his father following the cancer diagnosis in February. The visit also comes at a time when the royal family is facing significant health challenges, with King Charles and Kate Middleton both undergoing treatment for cancer.
After his London visit, Harry and Meghan will travel to Nigeria as guests of the Chief of Defense Staff. The couple plans to engage with service members and participate in various cultural activities during their stay. This trip will also focus on the Invictus Games, particularly Nigeria’s involvement in the event last year.
The couple has only made a handful of visits to the UK since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. Their decision to leave royal life was influenced by a desire for privacy and security, especially after the birth of their two children, Archie and Lilibet. The couple now resides in California, where they have launched several commercial ventures, including a lifestyle brand led by Meghan.
Security has been a major concern for Harry and Meghan, particularly after they lost their royal protection. In December 2023, Harry’s legal team argued against a court ruling that upheld the UK government’s decision to deny him and his family security while in the country. The High Court judge ruled that there was no unlawfulness in the decision made by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC).
Harry’s legal team has indicated that he plans to appeal this ruling, emphasizing that he is not seeking preferential treatment but rather a fair application of security protocols. He has expressed that the lack of security poses a significant risk to his family’s safety, particularly when they are in the UK, which he considers home.
In a statement, Harry articulated the importance of the UK to his children’s heritage and his desire for them to feel at home there. He stated, “That cannot happen if there is no possibility to keep them safe when they are on U.K. soil.” His concerns about safety extend to Meghan as well, as he has expressed reluctance to put her in danger.
The couple’s relationship with the royal family has been strained since their departure from royal duties, and Meghan’s potential absence during Harry’s visit to London may further highlight this rift. The couple has faced significant media scrutiny and public speculation about their motivations for stepping back from royal life, and their limited visits to the UK have only fueled this narrative.
As Harry prepares for his trip, the question remains whether Meghan will join him or if her absence will serve as a reminder of the ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and the royal family. The couple’s future visits to the UK may also be influenced by the ongoing legal battles surrounding their security and the public’s perception of their relationship with the monarchy.
In conclusion, Prince Harry’s upcoming visit to London is laden with significance, not only as a celebration of the Invictus Games but also as a reflection of the complex dynamics within the royal family. As he navigates his role as a son, husband, and father, the challenges he faces in maintaining connections to his heritage and family will undoubtedly shape his experiences in the UK.
Source: Page Six, BBC, People
