That shift is said to be why the Sussexes haven’t returned to the UK as a family since, with both Harry and Meghan harboring safety concerns after it was made clear that they would have to arrange their own security on any potential visit.
Harry’s most recent trip across the Atlantic was in the immediate aftermath of his father’s cancer diagnosis, but on that occasion the meeting between father and son was brief. Harry was reported to have stayed in a London hotel after having his request to stay at Windsor Castle denied.
On that occasion – September 2023 – the Royal Family cited a lack of notice as the reason for the denial.
Yet despite having a longer notice period this time around ahead of Harry’s visit to London, it’s believed the prince will again stay in a hotel. Neither will wife Meghan Markle be joining him, instead opting to remain in the US to prepare for the couple’s unofficial tour of Nigeria.
Not being joined by his family may weigh heavily on Harry, according to the Mail on Sunday’s Royal Editor, Charlotte Griffiths.
“It’s a really important part of Harry’s soul, and the kind of thing he’d want his wife, maybe even his kids by his side for,” she explained.
“Meghan is leaving him there alone, and I just think he’s going to cast a really lonely portrait of a man without his friends around him, without his family and without senior members of the Royal Family. And no wife there with him as well.”
Interestingly, reports earlier this week claimed that King Charles wishes to meet with his son again, and that the prospect of “reconciling” is even said to be on the table.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun newspaper: “The King has always kept the door open to Harry, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he would invariably get a warm reception.
He added: “It will take its time. But clearly the situation has changed in recent weeks beyond all expectations. I don’t think it would be too difficult, it depends how you define reconcile. I think there’s a long way to go before Harry is bringing over Meghan and the children.”