Prince Harry is set to travel to the UK later this month, but his children will not be joining him due to ongoing safety concerns. The Duke of Sussex's appeal against the Home Office's decision to downgrade his security arrangements will be heard in April, leaving him unable to visit his home country with his family unless their safety can be assured.
In addition to the security concerns, Prince Harry is scheduled to give evidence in the High Court later this month in his case against News Group Newspapers. This legal battle adds another layer of complexity to his visit, as he navigates both personal and professional challenges.
Living in Montecito, California, has provided Prince Harry and his family with a sense of normalcy away from royal duties. The family enjoys a busy social life filled with activities such as beach walks, family bike rides, and father-and-son surf lessons. As he stated at the New York Times's DealBook Summit in December, “I very much enjoy living here and bringing my kids up here.” He views this lifestyle as the ideal upbringing his mother would have wanted for him.
Despite these positive aspects of life in California, Prince Harry remains concerned for his family's safety. Friends have highlighted that safe visits to the UK would allow his children to connect with their heritage and help Prince Harry better support his charitable endeavors. However, communications with the monarch regarding security issues have reportedly gone unanswered, which adds strain to his plans.
The relationship between Prince Harry and his brother, the Prince of Wales, has also been described as fractured. This tension complicates the dynamics surrounding the upcoming visit and raises questions about family unity amidst ongoing challenges.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle cherish their “supportive and close-knit” community in Montecito. They are described as active members of an exclusive social circle, supporting friends' causes and making a point to be present at their events. One local source noted the “joy, positivity and fulfilment that define this meaningful chapter in their lives.”
Additionally, the couple has established a foothold in Europe by investing in property in Portugal, where Prince Harry's cousin, Princess Eugenie, resides with her family. This European connection underscores their commitment to maintaining ties across the continent.
