Prince Harry’s trip to the UK this summer could be derailed by a “nightmare scenario”, a royal expert has warned. The Duke of Sussex will travel to Birmingham for a series of events promoting the Invictus Games this summer, with reports suggesting Meghan Markle, and possibly their children, could accompany him.
While Harry may be keen to bring his family back to the UK after years abroad, the ongoing bin strike in Birmingham could complicate the visit’s success as a homecoming. Commentator Rob Shuter said sources have told him the situation could create an “embarrassing” back-drop for Meghan’s return to Britain, which Harry is hoping will see her “reconnect” with his home country.
“This is a nightmare scenario for Harry,” one insider said. “He wants Meghan to reconnect with the UK, not arrive to headlines about garbage, bad smells and a city under pressure.”
“The trash has become a symbol of everything people are angry about [in Birmingham],” they added. “Residents are fed up, businesses are complaining and visitors can’t help but notice.”
Mr Shuter also said he had been told that Invictus Games organisers were worried that the strike could overshadow the mission behind the event, and Harry’s involvement with it.
“Everyone wants the story to be about the athletes and Harry’s mission,” a source said. “The fear is that one photo of overflowing bins could overshadow months of preparation.”
The Duke of Sussex has previously spoken publicly about his reluctance to bring Meghan, Archie and Lilibet to Britain over concerns for their security.
He lost police protection when he and Meghan stepped back as senior working royals in 2020 and moved to the US.
Harry lost a court battle to have his security reinstated last year, although it is understood the Home Office is reviewing whether he should automatically receive police protection when visiting the UK.
While Archie was born in Britain, Lilibet, who was born in the US, has only visited once, when the family travelled to London for the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations in June 2022.
The prince is due to visit Birmingham to kick off a 12-month countdown to the 2027 Invitus Games between July 10 and 17.