> At a Glance
> – An official review found Prince Harry meets criteria for taxpayer-funded police protection
> – Prince Harry has campaigned since 2020 to reinstate armed security after losing it post-Megxit
> – He previously stated he “doesn’t feel safe” bringing Meghan, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet to Britain
> – Why it matters: Restored protection could pave the way for more family visits to the U.K.
A January 4 report in The Mail on Sunday indicates Prince Harry‘s long battle to regain armed police protection in Britain may finally succeed. The development could open the door for Meghan Markle and their two children-Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4-to accompany him on future trips.
Security Battle Timeline
**Prince Harry lost automatic taxpayer-funded security in 2020 when he and Meghan stepped back from royal duties and moved to California. He has since funded private security, but insists it is inadequate for U.K. visits.
Key moments in the fight:
- May 2023: Loses legal appeal against the government decision
- September 2025: Meets King Charles for first time in 19 months
- January 2026: Official review rules he meets criteria for reinstatement
Rare Family Visits
The Sussex children have only set foot on British soil once: in June 2022 for Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee. During that four-day celebration, Harry and Meghan attended just two events-Trooping the Colour and a thanksgiving service-before celebrating Lilibet‘s first birthday with a backyard picnic at Frogmore Cottage.
| Visit | Year | Attendees | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 2022 | 2022 | Harry, Meghan, Archie, Lilibet | Platinum Jubilee |
| September 2022 | 2022 | Harry, Meghan | Charity event; Queen’s death |
| May 2023 | 2023 | Harry solo | King’s coronation |
| September 2025 | 2025 | Harry solo | Charity & royal meeting |
Harry’s Emotional Plea
After losing his May 2023 court appeal, Prince Harry told BBC News:
> “I can’t see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the U.K. at this point.”
He added:
> “I miss the U.K. I think it’s really quite sad that I won’t be able to show my children my homeland.”
Following his September 2025 meeting with King Charles, Harry hinted at change. When The Guardian asked if he hoped to bring Archie and Lilibet to Britain, he replied:
> “Yes, I would. This week has definitely brought that closer.”
Key Takeaways
- Prince Harry‘s police protection could soon be restored, pending final approval
- Restored security would remove his primary barrier to family visits
- Archie and Lilibet have only visited the U.K. once, in 2022
- Meghan‘s last trip was also in 2022, for the Queen’s funeral
- Harry most recently visited solo in September 2025, meeting King Charles after a 19-month gap
If the reinstatement is finalized, royal watchers may finally see the Sussexes return as a family unit, giving Archie and Lilibet a chance to reconnect with their British heritage.
