The growing divide between Prince Harry and the royal family was once again made evident during King Charles’ recent birthday celebrations.

At Trooping the Colour, the King appeared with Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Kate, and their three children—George, Charlotte, and Louis—but Harry and his family were notably absent.

Though Prince Harry, 40, has previously expressed hope for reconciling with his father, he’s made it clear that his family’s safety must come first. Following a legal loss in May, he stated he couldn’t consider returning to the UK unless his wife and children could be properly protected.

A Real Concern for Meghan’s Safety

According to former royal editor Duncan Larcombe, the chances of Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, making regular visits to the UK are increasingly unlikely due to Meghan Markle’s fears about their safety.

“Meghan understandably feels frightened about coming to the UK with the children,” Larcombe explained. “There are real threats—from extremists or attention-seekers who might try something dangerous. And then there’s the terrorist threat. Harry is a high-profile target, and that extends to his family.”

Though Meghan, 43, has appeared more open recently, sharing moments like her Baby Momma dance and family outings to Disneyland, returning to the UK with her children is another matter entirely.

Stronger, But Still Anxious

A source told The Mirror that although Meghan is feeling more confident lately, her worries about security remain constant.

“In many ways she feels stronger now and wants to share that,” said the insider. “But she’s still terrified of risking her kids’ safety by coming back to the UK. Any parent in her position would feel the same.”

This ongoing fear makes it difficult, even for Harry, to justify bringing his family back—even when emotional moments like Trooping the Colour and Father’s Day stir deep feelings of longing.

“He really misses his dad, especially on weekends like that,” the source added. “But security is a huge issue, and it probably always will be. It’s been five years since they left, and at this point, the chance of even short visits is very slim. It’s truly heartbreaking.”

Regret and Reflection

In his interview with the BBC back in May, Harry stated that he would “love reconciliation” with his family. Larcombe believes that beneath the surface, the Duke is filled with regret over how things unfolded.

“Harry’s always been emotionally open, and I imagine he’s quietly full of regret,” Larcombe said. “With Father’s Day and the royal celebrations happening together, it must have made him reflect on happier times with his father and brother. I’m sure he’d love to find a way to mend those bonds.”

Security RemainsMajor Barrier

Last month, Harry failed in his legal effort to overturn the UK government’s decision to deny him publicly funded, royal-level security during UK visits. In response, he admitted he “couldn’t see a world” in which he could bring Meghan and the kids back home under those circumstances.

The memory of Princess Diana’s tragic death plays heavily into the couple’s caution. Larcombe points out that Diana’s lack of official police protection was a “contributing factor” to the crash that claimed her life.

Why Royal Security Matters

According to Larcombe, personal feelings about the Sussexes are irrelevant in the face of serious threats. The difference between private security and official royal protection is significant.

Official royal security involves 24/7 armed guards and intelligence support from the Metropolitan Police and MI5. Private bodyguards simply can’t offer the same level of protection or insight into threats.

“At major royal events, what you see is only a fraction of the security involved,” Larcombe noted. “There are also undercover officers and agents at work. Without official support, Harry and Meghan are relying on a small team that just can’t see or prevent what might be coming.”

With no sign of that protection being reinstated, it appears unlikely that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be returning to the UK with their children anytime soon.