Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, could make her first return to the United Kingdom in four years this summer to support Prince Harry during the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games in Birmingham. This prospective visit depends critically on whether Harry’s security concerns in the U.K. are resolved, as the couple has prioritized safety for their family.
The Duchess may join Prince Harry in July for the ‘one-year-to-go’ celebrations marking the countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games, an international multi-sport event for wounded veterans that Harry founded. According to reports from PageSix and People, Meghan has attended similar pre-Games events in the past, such as in Vancouver, Canada, in 2024 and Düsseldorf, Germany, in 2022, making her presence this summer a plausible continuation of her support.
Security remains the pivotal issue. Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Prince Harry has lost taxpayer-funded armed protection and has been fighting to reinstate it. In a recent development, the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) conducted a new risk assessment and found that Harry meets the threshold for official protection, offering a glimmer of hope. However, as a source told PageSix, ‘It is far too early to say. No plans have been set yet,’ highlighting the uncertainty.
Meghan last visited the U.K. in September 2022 for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Since then, neither she nor their children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, have returned to the country. The couple has expressed that without adequate security, they do not feel safe bringing their family to the U.K., a point Harry has emphasized in public statements and legal appeals.
The timing of this potential visit coincides with Prince Harry’s expected presence in the U.K. for other reasons. He is scheduled to appear in a London court starting January 19 for a legal case against Associated Newspapers, which could last several weeks. This solo trip might precede any joint visit with Meghan, depending on security outcomes.
If Meghan does return, it could have broader implications for the royal family dynamics. The Sussexes’ relationship with King Charles III and Prince William has been strained, partly over security and other issues. A visit might open doors for reconciliation or, conversely, underscore the ongoing disputes. The Invictus Games themselves are a significant platform for Harry, and Meghan’s attendance would bolster the event’s profile.
Looking ahead, the decision on security is still pending, with a review underway. Harry has personally appealed to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and those close to him are optimistic about a favorable outcome. The royal family has not commented on the potential visit, but as supporters of the Armed Forces, their involvement in the Invictus Games is anticipated in the future.
In conclusion, Meghan Markle’s possible return to the U.K. this summer hinges on unresolved security arrangements, reflecting the continued challenges the Sussexes face in navigating their post-royal lives. While no firm plans are in place, the speculation underscores the public interest in their movements and the delicate balance between family, duty, and safety.
