Prince Harry and: Meghan MarkleThe reported plans to bring their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to Britain in July could mark one of the most important royal visits since they stepped back from royal duties in 2020. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to travel to the UK for countdown events related to the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, potentially allowing King Charles III to spend time with his youngest grandchildren for the first time in years.According to royal commentator Phil Dampier, the trip carries many risks and could reveal whether public opinion of the couple has changed since their dramatic departure from royal life. The visit will mark the couple’s first family trip to Britain in four years.
Logistics and security arrangements for the visit
According to The Sun, Charles is expected to fund security arrangements for the visit, and the king has reportedly offered the Sussexes accommodation at a royal property during their stay. However, Dampier argues that these moves do not necessarily reflect a larger change in the Sussexes’ relationship with the institution they are leaving.“Harry seems to have been assured of security, at least for the short stay,” Dampier wrote. “But that doesn’t mean he will regain his royal status and full protection in the long run.” Dampier believes that any future security arrangements are more likely to be considered on a case-by-case basis rather than signaling a permanent restoration of protections.
The key question of public acceptance:
One of the biggest uncertainties surrounding the visit is the British public’s reaction to the couple’s return. While sources close to Meghan suggest she believes most people in Britain are fair-minded, Dampier warned many Britons remain critical of the pair.“I saw a quote from a source close to Meghan saying that she believes most people in the UK are fair and reasonable,” Dampier said. “They are, but many still cannot forgive him for his role in taking Harry and disrespecting the royal family.” He continued with his predictions, suggesting that the couple may face an uncomfortable acceptance of certain circumstances. “Harry and Meghan take a big risk because it’s possible that some people might make fun of them,” he wrote.
Invictus Games and a potentially warm welcome
Despite concerns about wider public acceptance, Dampier believes the Sussexes are likely to receive a warm welcome at events connected to Harry’s beloved Invictus Games. “They are in a safe place at the Invictus Games event because the soldiers and their families involved have a lot of time for them,” he wrote. “But some members of the public don’t, and we’ll see what happens.”The sporting competition for wounded, injured and ill service personnel and veterans will be held in Birmingham from July 10 to July 17, 2027, with the upcoming One Year To Go event serving as a key milestone.
Royal commentators have described the couple’s reported return to Britain as an important test of future relations between the public and the royal family. Image credit. (Meghan Markle’s Instagram)
Potential meetings with senior royals
While questions remain over whether Harry will meet senior royals during the visit, Dampier suggested a reunion remains unlikely. He believes King Charles will welcome the opportunity to mend relations with his younger son and spend time with his grandchildren. “As for the royal family, I’m sure the King would like to have a better relationship with his lost son and see his grandchildren, who grew up with American accents and just didn’t know him,” Dampier wrote.However, when it comes to Prince William and Kate Middleton, the commentator sees little chance of reconciliation. “I don’t think there’s a chance in hell that William and Catherine will meet on this trip,” he wrote. “I don’t believe William will forgive Harry for calling a member of the royal family racist, and personally I don’t think they will.”
A test of future arrangements
Dampier argued that the visit represented an important test of what the future relationship between Sussex and Britain might look like. “Only time will tell, but this trip will test the waters, followed of course by the Invictus Games themselves in a year,” he wrote. He also suggested that Harry could gradually achieve the “half in and out” arrangement he originally sought when he stepped down from royal duties, something the late Queen Elizabeth II opposed. Whether such an arrangement will continue remains uncertain, especially if William ascends the throne.