The Duke of Sussex, 41, is also set to continue his controversial campaign for taxpayer-funded security – a move which could pave the way for further visits to his home country with his family
Prince Harry was in the UK earlier this month for events surrounding the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham. His wife, Meghan Markle, later joined him with their children, Prince Archie, seven and Princess Lilibet, five, on July 10 – the same day King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted the Sussex family at Highgrove.
The reunion was reportedly the first time Harry had seen his father in four years, with one source describing the meeting as “emotional”. It is understood that both the King and Harry hope to arrange further gatherings in the future, allowing the Duke to spend more time with his father and King Charles to spend time with his grandchildren.
Harry is now said to be continuing to lobby the Home Secretary for an urgent review of his security arrangements, after submitting a report from his private security company claiming he remains a terror target.
He has previously argued that he requires police protection when visiting the UK, despite having his own privately funded security team. He lost his automatic right to taxpayer-funded security after stepping down as a working royal in 2020.
During his latest visit, Harry and Meghan had initially planned to travel to London together with their children after a family holiday in Europe. However, they were forced to travel separately after receiving notice that the Home Office would not facilitate round-the-clock security for the family.
Harry is expected to return in September for the annual WellChild Awards, a charity he has supported for many years and of which he became patron in 2007.
The Duke is also hopeful that Meghan and their children will be able to accompany him to the 2027 Invictus Games.
The Sussexes’ latest visit came after Harry’s hopes of arranging a meeting between his father and his family were reportedly dashed just 24 hours after he revealed his full UK itinerary. The plans included Meghan joining him on stage at the Invictus event at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC).
Harry had reportedly hoped to stay at Buckingham Palace with Meghan and their children, but the King is said to have withdrawn the accommodation after his estranged son failed to respond in time to organise the staffing required to host them at the palace.
Sources also suggested that the Home Office was angered by Harry’s decision to announce his itinerary in the hope of putting pressure on the government to grant the family security – protection which was removed when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down from their royal roles.
Despite making millions since leaving the Royal Family and arranging his own private security team, Harry has claimed that he remains a target for terrorists in the UK and needs protection from the Metropolitan Police when he returns.
Neither Buckingham Palace nor the Sussexes’ team has revealed details of the meeting, other than confirming that it took place on Saturday, July 11, when Charles and Camilla hosted Harry, Meghan and their children for afternoon tea.
One source described the reunion as “emotional”, adding that both the King and Harry hoped to arrange a further gathering in the future.
