Prince Harry issues bombshell statement on UK return with Meghan Markle and kids
Prince Harry's spokesperson has issued a fiery statement in response to numerous reports about the duke's security when he returns to the UK next week. He has vowed to look at 'all options' to allow his wife and children to come with him, after his bid to secure enhanced security provisions was declined.
The King Has offered his son to stay at a royal residence during his trip, and the Sussexes confirmed that they would take up the offer for part of their stay. But it was later revealed that no such confirmation had been made to the Palace. The Sun later reported that Harry didn't feel it was safe to bring his children to the UK after he was told that he would not be permitted armed protection during his stay.
But it is understood that the trip is going ahead as planned, with no tweaks to the itinerary. Harry is very much hoping to bring his wife and children over as initially planned. A spokesperson for the duke said that Harry is continuing to look at "every available option" to "enable the visit to proceed safely".
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They said in a statement: “Prince Harry’s programme in the United Kingdom includes both public and private engagements across the country. Safe accommodation is only one element of an effective protective security plan because risk follows the person, not the place.
“The issue has never been accommodation. The issue is whether appropriate and proportionate protective security is being provided throughout the entirety of the visit. The independent Risk Management Board that RAVEC itself decided was necessary last November has still not taken place. It is therefore difficult to understand how the proportionality of the current arrangements can credibly be maintained without that independent assessment.
“The Duke continues to explore every available option to enable the visit to proceed safely and to give his children the opportunity to enjoy the UK.”
Harry has faced a protracted legal battle with the Home Office over the security arrangements for him and his family while in the UK after his level of protection changed when he stepped down as a working royal in 2020.
Security worries for his family have been cited by the duke as a reason he could not bring them to the UK, but it appears his concerns have been mitigated, with reports claiming the Sussexes were given assurances.
But sources have stressed all matters of security are issues for the Home Office to decide and the King does not play a role in the process and has not made any private undertakings.
It is four years since Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, last saw their grandfather the King in person during Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.