Prince Harry’s return to the UK with his wife and children is a “new tactic that could backfire”, a source has claimed.
Earlier this week, the Duke of Sussex sensationally announced he was to travel back to Britain to mark the one-year countdown for his beloved Invictus Games, which will be held in Birmingham next year.
Crucially, it was revealed that he will be joined by his wife, Meghan Markle, and his two children, Prince Archie, now seven, and Princess Lilibet, five.
While Meghan has not set foot on British soil since the late Queen’s funeral in September 2022, both children’s last visit came at Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee earlier that year.
Their surprise visit provides King Charles with the opportunity to reunite with his estranged grandchildren – having only met Lilibet once.
It was reported last night that the King has “an agreement” to see the children during their stay, which is made easier by the fact the Sussexes are expected to stay in a royal residence – which could even be Buckingham Palace.
According to Harry, security measures were preventing him from bringing his children to the UK sooner.
Harry lost his automatic right to 24/7 armed police protection in 2020, after the duke and duchess stood back as working members of the Royal Family. He subsequently sued the Home Office, arguing that they acted unlawfully in their decision, but ultimately lost.
Last year, after he lost his court battle for security, Harry told the BBC: “I can’t see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the UK at this point.”
However, the Home Office committee that decides the level of protection members of the Royal Family receive has not yet made its decision on whether to upgrade Harry’s security, despite receiving a new report from the Risk Management Board.
It is said that adequate security measures have been confirmed for the Sussexes’ upcoming visit.
According to one source that spoke to the Daily Mail, the upcoming trip suggests a “new tactic” from Harry to invoke pressure on the Royal Family – that may not prove successful.
“It’s clear to me that Harry and Meghan are doing this to force their hand, so they have to give him security or else they are endangering the children,” they said.
“This is a huge new low as a tactic – and it is going to backfire.”
However, another source told the outlet that the King will always choose to forgive and reconcile.
“The King is not an uncaring man,” they said. “It’s not that he doesn’t want to see his grandchildren.
“But he doesn’t want to do anything which can be weaponised against him in the security row. Everyone is very wary.”
While a decision on security is expected “soon”, the Sussexes are coming to town – and the King is reportedly looking forward to the reunion.
Unfortunately for Harry, though, reconciling his family ties is likely to end with his father.
Prince William looks increasingly unlikely to extend an olive branch to his estranged younger sibling.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams revealed to GB News earlier this week that William was left “deeply betrayed” by Harry’s actions and is “unlikely” to meet him.
