2 minute readrundown
Prince Harry’s representative has spoken about whether he still plans to visit the UK with Meghan Markle and their children Archie and Lilibet. The Telegraph reported on Saturday that Prince Harry and his family were reconsidering their visit because they had no police protection outside of the royal residence. “Safe accommodation is just one element of an effective safeguarding plan, because risks are associated with people, not places,” a spokesperson said, acknowledging Prince Harry’s concerns about a lack of adequate security.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children Archie and Lilibet are currently vacationing in Europe, People newspaper reported yesterday. At the time, the outlet understood that the family were still planning to visit the UK in early July, but a spokesperson for Harry and Meghan today spoke about why the family’s plans had not been finalized due to safety concerns.
A spokesperson stressed that Prince Harry is “exploring all options available to him to proceed with his visit safely and give his children the opportunity to enjoy the UK.”
The statement comes after The Telegraph reported on Saturday that the Duke of Sussex was “reconsidering” bringing Meghan, Archie and Lili to the UK after learning they would not have police protection when they are not in the royal residence. According to the media, the family had originally planned a five-day visit with Meghan Markle, who would attend two official engagements with Prince Harry. Harry was scheduled to perform an event related to the Invictus Games and his charity work. The 2027 match will be held in Birmingham next July.
A spokesperson acknowledged Prince Harry’s engagement plans and safety concerns, telling People in a statement: “Prince Harry’s program in the UK includes public and private engagements across the country. Safe accommodation is just one element of an effective protection and safety plan, as risks are associated with individuals, not locations.”
“Accommodation has never been an issue,” the spokesperson added. “The question is whether adequate and proportionate protection is provided throughout the visit.The independent risk management committee that RAVEC (the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royal Family and Public Figures, which determines who is entitled to police protection and to what extent) itself deemed it necessary in November last year, has not yet convened. It is therefore difficult to see how the proportionality of the current arrangements can be ensured without that independent assessment.The Duke continues to explore all available options to ensure that the visit can proceed safely and give his children the opportunity to enjoy the UK. ”
If the family does visit, it will be Lilybet’s first visit to Japan and Archie’s first return since Meghan and Harry stepped down as senior royals in 2020 and moved to Canada and eventually California.
