Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will stay at a royal residence during their visit to the UK next month after accepting an invitation from King Charles III, marking the first time they have done so since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. Get today's headlines by email The visit will be the couple's first trip to Britain together in four years and their first family visit since 2022. They will be joined by their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, although the children are not expected to appear at public events. First acceptance of royal accommodationA palace source previously said the Sussex family had been offered accommodation on the royal estate for future visits, but this is the first occasion they have accepted the invitation. CNN understands the family will divide their stay between a royal residence and private accommodation during the trip. Harry and Meghan left royal life in 2020 and moved to California, saying they wanted to become financially independent. Their departure was followed by years of public tensions with the royal family. In interviews and Harry's memoir, the couple cited media intrusion, family disputes and racism within British institutions as factors behind their decision to leave. Signs of improving relationsHarry has returned to the UK several times since relocating to the US. Meghan accompanied him for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in 2022, while Harry attended King Charles III's coronation alone in 2023. In September last year, Harry and the King met privately at Clarence House for the first time in 19 months, as Charles underwent cancer treatment. The meeting fuelled speculation that relations between the two were improving, and they are reported to have remained in contact. Harry, however, is still believed to be estranged from his brother, Prince William. Invictus Games eventsThe trip will centre on events marking one year until the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, the international sporting competition for wounded, injured and sick service personnel founded by Harry. The visit will begin with Invictus-related engagements in London, where Meghan will join him, before Harry attends additional events in the Midlands linked to charities and causes he supports. The family's security arrangements have not been disclosed. Harry has previously expressed concerns about bringing Meghan and their children to Britain after losing taxpayer-funded police protection when he stepped back from royal duties. While staying at a royal residence, however, the family will be covered by existing security arrangements. Details of the family's private activities during the visit have not been made public. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 27 June 2026
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