Prince Harry has accepted an invitation to stay at Buckingham Palace during part of his visit to London this week, marking a notable royal development ahead of the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.According to the BBC, the Duke of Sussex will be in the UK for preparations related to the Invictus Games, along with a series of charity engagements. His spokesperson confirmed that Harry will be staying at Buckingham Palace for part of the visit.
Meghan, Archie and Lilibet unlikely to join London visit
Harry is expected to travel without his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, during the London leg of the trip. The decision is linked to ongoing concerns over security after the family was denied taxpayer-funded police protection in the UK.However, reports suggest Meghan and the children could join Harry later in Birmingham, where he is scheduled to promote the Invictus Games and visit Birmingham Children’s Hospital and the National Exhibition Centre, the event venue.
Focus on possible King Charles reunion
The visit has renewed speculation over whether Harry will meet King Charles. It also remains unclear whether the monarch will get the opportunity to see Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, whom he has reportedly not met in person for four years.Harry last met his father during a visit to the UK in September. Before that, the two had briefly reunited following Charles’ cancer diagnosis.
Security dispute remains central issue
The Duke’s long-running dispute over security arrangements continues to shape his visits to Britain. The disagreement dates back to 2020, when Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior working royals and relocated to the United States.Since then, UK authorities have ruled that Harry’s police protection will be assessed on a case-by-case basis rather than being automatically provided. Harry has challenged that decision in court and has repeatedly said security concerns have prevented him from bringing his family to the UK.In a 2025 interview with the BBC, Harry said he could not “see a world” in which he would bring Meghan and their children back to Britain without improved security arrangements.
Possible visit to Princess Diana’s resting place
Reports have also suggested that the later part of Harry’s UK visit could include a private trip to Althorp House, the Northamptonshire estate of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.It is understood that there had been plans for Meghan and the children to accompany him there to visit Diana’s grave, although it remains uncertain whether that will happen.Harry and Meghan were last together in the UK in 2022, when they attended the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Since then, the Duke has made solo visits to Britain while the Duchess and their children have remained in California.