Harry and Meghan’s bombshell reaction after huge blow to UK visit (Image: Getty)
Prince Harry, his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, were due to make a family visit to the UK for the first time in four years. On Friday, after announcing details of the UK visit ahead of the Invictus Games countdown, his team was told no police protection would be provided for the family. A government spokesman said its protective security system was “rigorous and proportionate”.
“It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals’ security,” the spokesman added. Prince Harry and Meghan’s team reportedly told outlets the couple had already accepted an offer to stay on a royal estate during the trip as a guest of King Charles, although the location of the royal residence selected had not been made public.
TalkTV’s Breakfast presenter Mark Dolan addressed claims Harry is deeply upset by the decision and is now weighing up whether the visit can still go ahead safely. The setback could prove to be another blow to the duke who has been vocal about reconciling with his father King Charles.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex last visited the UK in 2024 (Image: Getty)
Mark began: “Dismay for the King as Harry says he may not bring Meghan and the kids to London having been refused armed royal protection.” Royal correspondent Rupert Bell addressed the Sussexes’ reaction and suggested it’s devastating for the Royal Family.
The host asked: “What’s gone wrong?”
Rupert speculated: “Well, I assume Meghan’s had a hissy fit because she hasn’t got what she wanted.” The show guest then went on to accuse the Sussexes’ of trying to force the royals’ hand in a huge blow.
He continued: “But if this report is true, that she’s decided last minute – that they were supposed to be coming and everything seemed to be in order, it beggars belief. It almost feels like they’re trying to blackmail the Royal Family at all times to get what they want.”
Rupert explained the protection that would be in place is “perfectly acceptable” for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
TalkTV presenter Mark Dolan spoke with expert Rupert Lowe (Image: TalkTV)
“Why does he think we’re going to leave him exposed?” the royal expert questioned.
Rupert suggested that the royals will be frustrated by Harry’s decision to not bring his family to the UK, who has since issued a statement addressing the matter and his ongoing concerns.
In a statement released on Monday, a spokesman for the Duke of Sussex said: “Prince Harry’s programme in the United Kingdom includes both public and private engagements across the country. Safe accommodation is only one element of an effective protective security plan because risk follows the person, not the place.”
They added the issue has never been about accomodation.
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex were due to bring Archie and Lilibet to the UK (Image: Instagram/Meghan, Duchess of Sussex)
The spokesman continued: “The issue is whether appropriate and proportionate protective security is being provided throughout the entirety of the visit. The independent Risk Management Board that RAVEC itself decided was necessary last November has still not taken place. It is therefore difficult to understand how the proportionality of the current arrangements can credibly be maintained without that independent assessment.
“The Duke continues to explore every available option to enable the visit to proceed safely and to give his children the opportunity to enjoy the UK.”
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, was planning to join her husband on a number of public engagements in London and the Midlands.
The visit was timed to mark the start of the year-long countdown to the Invictus Games for injured military personnel due to be held in Birmingham next July.