Prince Harry is reportedly rethinking plans to bring Meghan Markle and their two children to Britain after being told they will not receive taxpayer-funded police protection during a planned July visit. The decision has thrown the long-awaited family trip into doubt just days before they are due to travel. Sources told the BBC that the Duke of Sussex is "distraught" after his team's formal request for police security was rejected on Friday. Despite the setback, Harry is still determined to find a way to make the visit happen safely and is exploring his options. The 41-year-old had hoped to travel with Meghan, 44, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, for a week-long stay in the UK. The trip was expected to include time with King Charles, marking what would be a rare family reunion after years of limited contact. The Sussexes had already accepted an invitation to stay at a royal estate as guests of the King during the visit. The location of the residence has not been disclosed publicly, adding another layer of privacy to the planned stay. However, the security dispute has become the biggest obstacle. Harry has long argued that the protection available to him in Britain is inadequate since he stepped back from royal duties, and last year he lost a legal battle seeking the restoration of routine police protection while visiting the UK. The latest rejection came despite a fresh formal request from Harry's team. According to reports, officials again refused to provide taxpayer-funded police security, leaving the Duke reassessing whether it is safe to bring his family. A source told The Sun: "Harry is reassessing things. Ultimately, he is going to do everything he can to find a way to bring the family over safely." The visit remains significant for more than personal reasons. Harry is due to launch the year-long countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, continuing his long-standing commitment to the international sporting event for wounded and injured service personnel. The trip also carries deep emotional importance. Harry is reportedly planning to take Archie and Lilibet to Althorp in Northamptonshire to visit the grave of their grandmother, Princess Diana, giving his children a chance to connect with an important part of their family history. The proposed visit could also provide King Charles with a rare opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren. The last time the King saw Archie and Lilibet in person was during Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. Harry himself last met his father in September when the pair shared tea at Clarence House. It was their first face-to-face meeting since February 2024, raising hopes that relations between father and son could continue to improve. The Government declined to discuss the specific security arrangements. A spokesperson said: "Our protective security system is rigorous and proportionate. It's our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on arrangements as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals' security." For now, no final decision has been made about whether Meghan and the children will travel. Harry is reportedly still committed to making the visit work, but the security issue has left the family's plans hanging in the balance. A decision is expected within days as preparations continue for what could become one of the most closely watched royal visits of the summer. Whether the Sussex family arrives together now depends on whether Harry can find a solution that he believes keeps his wife and children safe. Harry reconsiders bringing Meghan and children on UK trip
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