The Duke of Sussex has shared that he finds it “impossible” to return to the U.K. safely with Meghan Markle and their children, Archie and Lilibet, following the removal of his security protections.
His statement comes after losing a legal appeal against the Home Office’s decision, which was based on an earlier ruling by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec). This committee had downgraded his police protection after he and Meghan stepped back from their senior royal roles in 2020 and moved to the United States.
Although Prince Harry now employs a private security team, he argued that they lack access to crucial U.K. intelligence needed to ensure his family’s safety when visiting the country.
He has voiced serious concerns about the broader consequences of this legal outcome, calling it more than just a personal issue. He sees it as a move that could impact other members of the Royal Family as well.
“I can only come to the U.K. safely if I am invited, and there is a lot of control and ability in my father’s hands,” Prince Harry said, according to Sky News.
“Ultimately, this whole thing could be resolved through him, not by intervening, but by stepping aside and allowing the experts to do what is necessary.”
The duke suggested that political motivations played a role in the decision, referring to it as “a good old-fashioned establishment stitch-up.” He explained that the process began under a previous government and said the current administration has maintained the same approach.
He warned of the larger implications, stating: “It sets a new precedent that security can be used to control members of the family.”
Prince Harry also opened up about his desire to heal the rift with King Charles III and the rest of his family.
“I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore,” he said. “Life is precious. I don’t know how much longer my father has… it would be nice to reconcile.”
Despite this hope, he claimed that his attempts to reconnect have gone unanswered.
“He won’t speak to me because of this security stuff,” Harry revealed.
Sources close to the family indicate that his letters and calls have been mostly ignored, describing the father-son relationship as ‘distant.’
In a quiet, heartfelt moment during the interview, Prince Harry admitted a painful truth: “I don’t see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the U.K. at this point.”
He also confessed his deepest fear — that Archie and Lilibet may never have the chance to truly know or experience the country of their royal roots.