Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan are welcomed by fans at the Sydney Opera House
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex received a warm welcome on arrival at Sydney Harbour, as they prepared to embark on a boat tour with Invictus Australia.
Prince Harry is changing plans.
The Duke of Sussex will no longer be accompanying Meghan Markle and their children to the London portion of his visit to the United Kingdom, a representative for Prince Harry confirmed to USA TODAY on Saturday, July 4.
The decision comes amid ongoing debate over what the security implications will be for the family after stepping back from controversial royal life.
But that doesn’t mean Duchess Meghan, 44, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, won’t be accompanying Prince Harry, 41, on any of his trips. His representative said the remaining travel arrangements are still being finalized. Meghan Markle and her children may be united when Prince Harry leaves London on official business north.
The decision follows confirmation that the Sussexes will not be provided with taxpayer-funded police security during their five-day trip.
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan last visited the UK together in September 2022 for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, which marked the end of her 70-year reign.
Prince Harry previously said he was unable to bring Meghan and her children back to the UK due to concerns for their family’s safety, citing a loss of taxpayer security after stepping down from royal duties in 2020.
Last month, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan accepted the King’s offer to stay in the Royal Palace, where the safety of the royal family would be at their fingertips. The royal family’s residence has not been disclosed. The family had previously been offered accommodation at Buckingham Palace, but had refused.
Last month, a spokesperson for the duke told USA TODAY on June 29 that “the issue was never the accommodation,” but “the issue is whether adequate and proportionate protection is provided throughout the duration of the visit.”
Prince Harry has long expressed concerns about the safety of his loved ones, telling the BBC last year: “I cannot imagine a world in which he would be able to bring his wife and children back to the UK at this time.”
Contributor: Anthony Robredo, USA TODAY
