Prince Harry is set to return to the United Kingdom this week for a solo visit, leaving his wife Meghan Markle and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, in California. The decision comes amid persistent concerns over the family's safety, following a leaked confidential security assessment that reportedly detailed multiple threats against the Duke's life.
Security Assessment Reveals Serious Threats
The security report, submitted to the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC), identified at least six alleged terrorist plots involving “jihadist and right-wing threat actors” targeting Prince Harry, with five of those threats originating in the UK, according to ITV. GB News reported that the assessment also referenced an alleged al-Qaeda document calling for Prince Harry’s assassination. The report concluded that the greatest threat facing the Sussex family came from so-called “stochastic terrorism,” where repeated hostile public rhetoric can inspire individuals to commit acts of violence.
Stalking and Security Gaps
The assessment cited information from the Metropolitan Police indicating that authorities are aware of nearly 500 potential stalkers targeting the Royal Family, of which half have demonstrated a threat against Harry, Meghan, and the children. This comes after Prince Harry’s unsuccessful legal battle to restore taxpayer-funded police protection for his family while in the UK. The Duke has argued that privately funded security cannot replicate the intelligence and policing capabilities of official royal protection, leaving his family exposed to unacceptable risks.
Upcoming Visit and Charity Engagements
Prince Harry is due to visit the UK from July 7 to 11 for a series of charity engagements and to launch the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games. However, Meghan and the children will remain in California, extending their four-year absence from his home country. The family has not returned to the UK together since June 2022, when they attended the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Hopes for Royal Reunion Dashed
The security dispute has reportedly dashed hopes of a reunion between King Charles III and his grandchildren during this visit. According to The Guardian, Harry had requested police protection beyond royal residences to ensure his family’s safety while travelling throughout the UK. After that request was rejected, he reportedly considered flying Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet to London for a single-day visit before abandoning the plan.
Ongoing Security Battle
Harry and Meghan lost their automatic police protection in 2020 after stepping back as senior working royals and relocating to the United States. Since then, the Duke has consistently argued that privately funded security cannot match the resources of official royal protection. A spokesperson for the Duke previously said the issue was whether “appropriate and proportionate protective security” would be provided throughout the visit. “Safe accommodation is only one element of an effective protective security plan, because risk follows the person, not the place,” the spokesperson added.
