Harry and Meghan could face ‘nightmare scenario’ on UK visit | Royal | News
Prince Harry’s visit to the UK this summer could be derailed by a “nightmare scenario”, a royal expert has warned. The Duke of Sussex will travel to Birmingham this summer for a series of events promoting the Invictus Games; Reports suggest that Meghan Markle and possibly her children may also accompany him.
While Harry is keen to bring his family back to the UK after years spent abroad, the ongoing litter strike in Birmingham could complicate the success of the visit as a homecoming. Commentator Rob Shuter said sources had told him the situation could provide an “embarrassing” backdrop for Meghan’s return to the UK, and he hoped Harry would see Meghan “reconnecting” with her home country.
“This is a nightmare scenario for Harry,” the insider said. “He doesn’t want Meghan to reconnect with the UK, making headlines about litter, bad smells and a city under pressure.”
“Trash has become a symbol of everything people are angry about [in Birmingham]” they added. “Citizens are fed up, businesses are complaining, and visitors can’t help but notice.”
Mr Shuter also said he was told Invictus Games organizers were concerned the attack could overshadow the mission behind the event and Harry’s involvement.
“Everyone wants the story to be about the athletes and Harry’s mission,” a source said. “The fear is that a photo showing overflowing bins will overshadow months of preparation.”
The Duke of Sussex has previously publicly stated his reluctance to bring Meghan, Archie and Lilibet to the UK due to safety concerns.
He lost police protection when he and Meghan stepped down as senior executives of the royal staff and moved to the US in 2020.
Harry lost a court battle to have his security restored last year, but the Home Office is understood to be reviewing whether he should automatically receive police protection when visiting the UK.
Although Archie was born in Britain, US-born Lilibet has only visited once, when the family traveled to London for the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations in June 2022.
The Prince will visit Birmingham from 10-17 July to kick off the 12-month countdown to the 2027 Invitus Games.
