“IT’S NOT THE VISIT THAT HAS EVERYONE TALKING—IT’S EVERYTHING SURROUNDING IT.” Prince Harry’s upcoming return to the UK has reignited intense discussion after fresh reports suggested security arrangements remain one of the biggest unresolved issues ahead of the trip. While some commentators believe the debate reflects the complex realities of protecting a high-profile figure outside the traditional royal framework, others argue it highlights how even routine visits have become intertwined with wider questions about trust, responsibility, and the Sussexes’ evolving relationship with the Royal Family.

Prince Harry’s team are still considering options to determine whether it is safe for the Duke to bring his wife and children to the UK next week. The King’s son is due to arrive in his home country early next week, and had been due to bring Meghan Markle and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, with him.

But after his team released their itinerary on Friday, the Duke was informed that his request for police protection had been rejected. As a result, Harry is reconsidering plans to bring his family with him for the trip, which will see him conduct public engagements between Tuesday July 7 and Saturday July 11.

Sources say Harry is distraught about the decision, but he is still keen to make the trip work. It is understood that as of last night his security team were still exploring how to make the visit safe for the whole family.

A spokesperson for the duke said on Monday that Harry is continuing to look at “every available option” to “enable the visit to proceed safely”.

They added that the Sussexes had already accepted an offer to stay on a royal estate during the trip after the King extended them an invitation, though the location of the property has not been made public. And Buckingham Palace sources have said they have not heard from Harry whether the offer had been accepted.

The family were also due to stay at private accommodation, with reports suggesting they had plans to stay at Althorp House, Princess Diana’s childhood home and where she is buried.

Harry’s itinerary is expected to proceed as planned next week, with his team set to announce whether Meghan and the children will be coming over the weekend.

Harry has spoken openly about how he fears the country of his birth is not safe for his wife and children to visit without securing police protection.

After he lost his legal battle against the Home Office over his security arrangements, the duke told the BBC: “I can’t see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK at this point and the things they’re going to miss is, well, everything.”

It has been four years since Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, last came to the UK for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. It also marks the last time they saw their grandfather, the King, in person.