Meghan Markle could reunite with Prince Harry in the United Kingdom this summer for the first time since 2022, but the couple’s joint appearance depends on a critical security decision.
The Duke of Sussex is scheduled to travel to Birmingham in July to mark the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games, and sources indicate the Duchess’s attendance will be determined by whether Harry secures upgraded taxpayer-backed protection. A review of his security status is currently underway.
At a Glance
- Meghan Markle may accompany Prince Harry to the UK for Invictus countdown events in July
- Harry’s push for increased security will decide if Meghan and their children travel with him
- The couple has not been together in Britain since Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in September 2022
- Why it matters: A favorable ruling could end the Sussexes’ three-year absence as a family unit in the UK
Security Decision Dictates Family Travel
Harry, 41, has made it clear that adequate security is non-negotiable before he will bring Meghan, 44, and their children-Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4-back to his homeland. A representative for the couple offered no comment on January 12, but a source told News Of Losangeles on January 11:
> “Security is always going to be a deciding factor in this.”
The Duke lost full police protection when he and Meghan stepped away from frontline royal duties in 2020. A subsequent appeal was rejected in May 2025, and court proceedings revealed that no formal risk assessment had been conducted for the family since 2019. In October 2025 Harry personally approached Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to plead for reinstatement of the cover.
Timeline of Absences
| Event | Date | Who Attended |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum Jubilee | June 2022 | Harry, Meghan, Archie, Lilibet |
| Queen’s funeral | September 2022 | Harry and Meghan |
| Vancouver Invictus promo | February 2024 | Harry and Meghan |
| Düsseldorf countdown | September 2022 | Harry and Meghan |
| Birmingham countdown (planned) | July 2025 | Harry (Meghan pending) |
Legal Calendar Adds Pressure
Before the July celebrations, Harry is expected in London on January 19 to give evidence in his lawsuit against Associated Newspapers. The case is slated to run roughly nine weeks, and a judgment on his security petition is unlikely before then. Insiders close to the Duke describe “positive” signals from government officials, yet no formal timeline has been released.
Royal Relations Remain Strained
Harry’s security fight has become a flashpoint in his relationship with King Charles, as the Duke believes the monarch could intervene-an assertion Buckingham Palace has repeatedly denied. The tension adds another layer of uncertainty to any prospective family visit.
Organizers Hope for Royal Support
Helen Helliwell, CEO of the Birmingham Invictus Games, told News Of Losangeles in July 2025 that the royal family has backed the event since its inception in 2014:
> “It’s too soon to confirm who’s going to be there. But obviously, we’d be delighted if members of the royal family were able to attend and would very much welcome their presence in a couple of years’ time.”
Key Takeaways
- Meghan’s presence at the July Invictus countdown hinges on a pending security ruling
- Harry will appear in London court January 19, weeks ahead of the Birmingham event
- The couple’s children have not set foot in the UK since June 2022
- A favorable decision could reopen the door for future family visits and potential royal reunion optics
